Before the Hearing
Before the hearing takes place, the Guardianship Tribunal receives an application. The applicant will ask the Tribunal to appoint a guardian or financial manager or to consent to medical or dental treatment.
Steps the Tribunal takes before a hearing
- When an application for guardianship or financial management is received, a Tribunal staff member contacts the applicant, the person the application is about, and those people most involved with the person. The purpose of this is to ensure that all the necessary material and other evidence is gathered, that those who need to know are aware of the application, and that those involved are advised about the hearing process.
- A report is prepared for the Tribunal. This briefly sets out facts and issues, and the views of the parties where they are known. Also, the documents that have been made available to the Tribunal are listed. The report details who will be attending the hearing and will be available by phone.
- A date and venue for the hearing is allocated.
- A notice of the hearing and a copy of the application are sent to all the legal parties to the application.
Applications for consent to medical or dental treatment are referred directly to the Tribunal for hearing unless they involve special medical treatment, end of life issues, a dispute or behaviour management issues.
Preparing for a hearing
When you receive the notice of the hearing and application, you will receive some brochures. This information is available online as well:
- Getting Ready for your Hearing
- Financial Management Hearings
- Guardianship Hearings
A video, In Their Best Interests , is available to show you how to prepare for a hearing. Contact the Tribunal to find out where you can view the video.
Read the information and watch the video to prepare yourself for the hearing.
Do you have any special requirements for the hearing?
Information about the Tribunal's facilities - particularly for people with mobility issues, hearing difficulties, and speakers of languages other than English - is available in the Locations and facilities section of this website. There are also options for hearings outside Sydney or to give evidence by telephone or video conference.
If you have any concerns, contact the Tribunal staff member responsible for the case.