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Question Details: I wish to apply to become the welfare guardian for my mother, who is resident in New Zealand. I am ordinarily resident in Australia and my sister is ordinarily resident in the USA. Are there any restrictions on either of us applying? Or can I apply because my mother is resident in New Zealand?
Filed under Family Law | 1895 View(s)
Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley
Yes, you can apply even though you are living outside New Zealand. There is no requirement for welfare guardians to live in New Zealand, as long as you can still carry out the duties involved.
As your mother's welfare guardian, you will be the person who makes the decisions affecting her welfare and best interests. In order to be appointed you will need to satisfy the Family Court that despite the distance you can still carry out the duties of a welfare guardian.
You can find out more about the responsibilities and duties of a welfare guardian on the community law website here: www.communitylaw.org.nz
If you decide to apply to the Family Court to be appointed as welfare guardian, the forms you will need can be found online here: www.courts.govt.nz
Answered 12 Sep 2012. The IMPORTANT NOTICE below is part of this answer.
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