Guardianship & Administration Lawyers Melbourne
Guardianship & Administration
When a person is no longer able to make certain personal or financial decisions independently, families can face difficult decisions about how best to support and protect their loved one's interests.
At Alpine Legal, we provide practical legal advice in relation to guardianship and administration matters in Victoria, including applications to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
We help families understand their options, prepare applications and navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence.
What is Guardianship and Administration?
Guardianship and administration arrangements can provide support for adults who have impaired decision-making capacity and require assistance with particular personal or financial decisions.
A guardian may be appointed to make decisions about specified personal matters, such as where a person lives, the services they receive and other lifestyle or personal decisions.
An administrator may be appointed to manage specified financial matters, including money, property and other financial affairs.
VCAT determines the scope of the guardian's or administrator's authority based on the person's individual circumstances.
Guardianship vs Administration
The key difference is:
Guardianship generally relates to personal matters, while administration generally relates to financial matters.
Depending on the circumstances, VCAT may appoint a guardian, an administrator, both, or make a supportive guardianship or administration order.
Guardianship and administration are not necessarily the first option. The law recognises the importance of a person's independence and decision-making rights, and less restrictive alternatives should be considered where appropriate.
When Might You Need a VCAT Order?
A guardianship or administration application may be appropriate where a person is unable to make particular decisions independently and there is no suitable alternative arrangement.
This may arise because of:
Age-related cognitive decline
Acquired brain injury
Intellectual disability
Cognitive impairment
Serious illness or injury
Difficulties managing financial affairs
Concerns about personal or lifestyle decisions
Disagreements within a family about how decisions should be made
Each situation is different, and obtaining legal advice can help you understand whether a VCAT application is appropriate.
How Alpine Legal Can Help
We assist clients with:
Advice about guardianship and administration options
Advice about whether a VCAT application may be appropriate
Preparation of VCAT guardianship and administration applications
Supportive guardianship and administration matters
Advice to proposed guardians and administrators about their responsibilities
Assistance with VCAT proceedings
Advice about existing guardianship and administration orders
Applications to vary or reassess existing arrangements
Advice about alternatives, including powers of attorney and supported decision-making
Our approach is practical, considered and focused on protecting the person's interests while respecting their rights, wishes and independence.
Helping Clients Across Mont Albert, Balwyn, Doncaster, Surrey Hills, and Surrounding Areas
Alpine Legal is based in Mont Albert and proudly assists clients in Balwyn, Doncaster, Kew, Mont Albert North, Camberwell, Templestowe, and Surrey Hills. Whether you need guidance in applying for probate or administering an estate, our compassionate team is here to help you every step of the way.