GUARDIAN AND WARD Guardian of Minors: Provide Authority to Settle Claims of Minors; Provide Jurisdiction to Probate Court Judges in Appointing Guardians and Temporary Guardians; Change Requirements and Procedures Relating to Appointment of Temporary Guardians; Provide for Bonds of Guardians Appointed by Probate Court

The Act creates the Georgia Statutory Form for Financial Power of Attorney, but provides that it shall not be the exclusive method for creating such an agency. The Act also allows that, in settling the claims of minors that do not exceed $10,000, a natural guardian need not apply to become the legally qualified guardian. The Act requires that the trial court judge approve the settlement, when appropriate. The Act creates a presence test in addition to the domiciliary test for probate court jurisdiction over minors without guardians. The Act changes the requirements and procedures relating to the appointment of temporary guardians. The Act allows a probate court judge to exercise discretion in requiring a bond when a guardian receives no cash funds. Finally, the Act eliminates advanced age as a criterion for the appointment of guardians for adults