(a) In general.--The guardianship support agency shall be available to serve as guardian of the estate or of the person, or both, of an incapacitated person when no less restrictive alternative will meet the needs of the individual and when no other person is willing and qualified to become guardian. The agency itself may be appointed guardian and no individual need be specified by the court. If appointed, the guardianship support agency shall have all of the powers and duties of a corporate fiduciary and shall not be required to post bond.
(b) Powers and duties.--The guardianship support agency shall be treated the same as all other guardians in regard to appointment as guardian or successor or co-guardian, reporting, powers and duties, compensation and in all other respects. In addition to section 5521 (relating to provisions concerning powers, duties, and liabilities), a guardianship support agency shall have the power and duty to:
(1) Invest the principal and income of incapacitated persons for whom it is the guardian of the estate. For this purpose, it may pool the principal and income, but shall maintain an individual account for each incapacitated person reflecting the person's participation therein.
(2) Expend and, if necessary, advance costs necessary to administer guardianships for which it has been appointed guardian.
(3) Apply for letters or otherwise administer the estate of any incapacitated person for whom it has been appointed guardian who dies during the guardianship when no one else is willing and qualified to serve.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Title 20 - DECEDENTS, ESTATES AND FIDUCIARIES
Chapter 55 - Incapacitated Persons
Section 5501 - Meaning of incapacitated person
Section 5502 - Purpose of chapter
Section 5505 - Provisions similar to small estates of minors
Section 5511 - Petition and hearing; independent evaluation
Section 5512 - County of appointment; qualifications
Section 5512.1 - Determination of incapacity and appointment of guardian
Section 5512.2 - Review hearing
Section 5512.3 - Annual report
Section 5513 - Emergency guardian
Section 5514 - To fill vacancy; co-guardian
Section 5515 - Provisions similar to other estates
Section 5516 - Fiduciary estate
Section 5517 - Adjudication of capacity and modification of existing orders
Section 5518 - Evidence of incapacity
Section 5518.1 - Cross-examination of witnesses
Section 5521 - Provisions concerning powers, duties and liabilities
Section 5523 - Collateral attack
Section 5524 - Effect of determination of incapacity
Section 5525 - Notice to Commonwealth and political subdivisions
Section 5531 - When accounting filed
Section 5532 - Where accounts filed
Section 5533 - Notice, audits, reviews and distribution
Section 5533.1 - Account of personal representative of deceased incompetent (Repealed)
Section 5534 - Recognition of claims
Section 5535 - Disposition of trust income
Section 5536 - Distributions of income and principal during incapacity
Section 5537 - Reserve for funeral
Section 5551 - Guardianship support agencies; legislative intent
Section 5552 - Services to individuals whose decision-making ability is impaired.
Section 5553 - Guardianship services