A guardianship is is a court-ordered protective arrangement for a person (called the ward or "protected person") who has been found by the Court to be incapacited and in need of someone to oversee his or her personal care and decision-making to protect the ward's health and safety. A guardianship may be used only as is necessary to promote and protect the well-being of the incapacited person.
There is no public guardianship system in Montana, and there is a great and very important need for attorneys willing to assist with guardianships and consevatorships - the need for attorneys outstrips by far the limited number of attorneys currently available and trained to provide these services. The Montana Guardianship Legal Assistance Program (MT-GLAP), in partnership with dedicated volunteer attorneys, Montana Legal Services Association, the State Bar of Montana, and the Montana Supreme Court Pro Bono Program, is a statewide program designed to help meet the guardianship and conservatorship needs of low and moderate income Montanans, and those seeking assistance for special needs children.
The Program is comprised of two distinct projects: 1) To recurit, trian, and support Montana attorneys to provide legal representation in guardianship and conservatorship cases; and 2) To match qualified attorneys with people seeking assistance with guardianship cases. If you agree to offer your services to meet this critical need, the Program will help you every step of the way. You will receive guardianship and conservatorship specific continuing legal education at no cost. You will also be provided forms, reference materials, mentoring, and support.
In addition to offering your services pro bono to low-income families unable to pay, you may also choose inclusion in a modest means and full-pay, sliding-scale referral panel. Pro bono and modest means cases are screened for financial eligibility and place through Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA). Modest means and full-pay panels are administered by the State Bar of Montana. You will be provided the necessary training and resources prior to the referral of your first cases. You retain the right to accept or decline a referral. Please see the links below to find out more.
Program Contact Information
Attorney Resources and Information
Information for Guardians
Attorney Sign-Up for the Program