In circumstances where a person is no longer in a position to manage their own affairs including property, an application can be made to the High Court for a person to be made a Ward of Court to protect this person’s welfare. (property  can include houses, bank accounts, prize bonds, credit unions accounts, etc.) 

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The Ward of Court procedure provides a solution where the assets are in a person’s sole name and they are no longer able to manage their affairs. It is usually a relative that can apply to the High Court and the person’s property can be used for their benefit. The Office of the Ward of Court is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Wardship process.

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A person can be made a Ward of Court because:

a) of mental incapacity, or

b) where a minor requires court protection for a particular reason.

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The majority of applications are made where a person lacks the mental capacity to look after their own welfare and affairs.