New Jersey How to Apply for Guardianship of the Person and Estate (Property) of an Individual Eligible for Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is a process that allows a court to appoint a guardian to care for the needs of an individual who has been certified by the Division of Developmental Disabilities as eligible for services. This includes providing for the individual’s physical, social, and financial needs. The guardian appointed by the court is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the individual, including decisions regarding the individual’s medical care, residence, employment, education, and other matters. There are two types of guardianship available in New Jersey: Guardianship of the Person and Guardianship of the Estate (Property). Guardianship of the Person is established to provide care, maintenance, and protection to an individual who is unable to act on his/her own behalf. Guardianship of the Estate (Property) is established to manage the individual’s financial affairs, including receiving and managing income, managing expenses, filing taxes, and other financial matters. To apply for guardianship of the person and/or estate of an individual eligible for services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, a person must file a Petition for Guardianship with the court. The petition must include supporting documents, such as the individual’s certification for services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, a physician’s report as to the individual’s condition, and a list of assets and liabilities. A court hearing is then held to determine whether guardianship is appropriate. If the court grants the petition, it will appoint a guardian for the individual. The guardian will then be responsible for making decisions on behalf of the individual.