You have just received a letter about a Guardianship Tribunal hearing. This information is to help you understand and get ready for this hearing.
Someone who knows you has written to the Guardianship Tribunal because they are worried about you. They have asked the Guardianship Tribunal to see if you need someone else to make decisions for you. The Guardianship Tribunal will have a hearing (like a meeting) to talk about this.
Well, maybe lifestyle decisions, like where you live, your health care or what services you might need. If someone is appointed to make these sorts of decisions, they are called a guardian.
Or maybe decisions about how your money is used for you. If someone is appointed to make money decisions, they are called a financial manager.
Yes. It is very important for you to go to your hearing because the Tribunal will want to talk to you about what you think. Your letter tells you what day, what time and where your hearing will be.
There will be three Tribunal members at your hearing. A lawyer and two people who work with people who have disabilities. We will also write to your family and other people involved in your life. They can also go to your hearing.
Before the hearing you can talk to the Guardianship Tribunal staff person. This person's name and telephone number are at the end of your letter.
You can also speak to the person who wrote to the Guardianship Tribunal. They are known as the applicant. You can find the applicant's name on your letter.
The Guardianship Tribunal staff person will talk to other people who know you. Staff will also get reports from your doctors and other services. The reports will help the Tribunal members decide whether you have a disability and whether this affects you making your own decisions.
At your hearing, the Tribunal members will talk to you and other people involved in your life. They will then decide whether or not you need someone to make decisions for you.
If they decide you need someone to make lifestyle decisions they will appoint a 'guardian'. They will tell you who your guardian will be and what sort of decisions they can make for you.
If they decide you need someone to look after your money, they will appoint a 'financial manager'. They will tell you who your financial manager will be.
Ask the staff person and applicant what this is all about. Ask them to explain if you do not understand something. Tell them if you disagree with what is being said. Tell the Tribunal members if you think you can make your own decisions. Tell them how you will do this. At your hearing, you can ask to speak to the Tribunal members alone if you want to.
Think about what you want to tell the Tribunal members at your hearing and practice it. It is important to tell the Tribunal members what you really think. Don't just say what you think other people want you to say. You could practice what you want to say with a friend.
You might want to bring someone to the hearing to support you. This might be a person like an advocate, family member, friend or a solicitor. It's a good idea to talk to the Tribunal staff person about this.
For the Tribunal to make the best decision it is important to speak up about what you think is best for you.
Address: 2a Rowntree Street, Balmain, NSW, 2041
Postal Address: Locked Mailbag 9, Balmain NSW 2041
Phone: (02) 9555 8500
Fax: (02) 9555 9049
Tollfree: 1800 463 928
Email: gt@gt.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.gt.nsw.gov.au