ASSEMBLY AGING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4293

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 1, 2026

      The Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4293.

      This bill clarifies the order of eligibility of certain persons for letters of guardianship.  The bill maintains the existing priority status of the spouse or domestic partner of the incapacitated person to receive letters of guardianship.  If no spouse or domestic partner is available, able, or willing to accept letters of guardianship, then letters are to be granted to the incapacitated person's heirs or friends.  The bill provides that in granting letters of guardianship, the court may give consideration to a person or persons who can demonstrate that they provided previous care in the best interest of the incapacitated person or their estate.  Finally, the bill explicitly states that the appointed guardian is required to perform the duties and responsibilities of guardianship in the best interest of the incapacitated person, whether appointed as guardian for the person, guardian for the estate, or guardian of the person and estate.