Lake County Court of Common Pleas
 Probate Division

Ted Klammer, Probate Judge 

Lake County
Probate Court
25 North Park Place
Painesville, OH 44077

Phone:      (440) 350-2626
West End: (440) 918-2626
Fax:            (440) 350-2628
West End: (440) 918-2628


Hours of Service:
Monday-Friday
7:30 am to 5 pm*

*Closed on holidays
observed by
Lake County

ABOUT GUARDIANSHIP

What is a Guardianship?

 A Guardianship is a fiduciary relationship in which a guardian acts on behalf of the ward, who can no longer exercise sound judgment.

 What is a Ward?

 A Ward is a person which has been deemed by the court to be incompetent, and is so mentally impaired that the person can no longer take care of them self, their family, or their property. A ward may forfeit the right to choose their place of residence, mange their assets, or consent to medical treatment.  Currently there are over eight hundred wards residing in Lake County.

 What is a Guardian?

 A Guardian is an individual appointed by the court to act as an advocate for the ward and make decisions on their behalf. There are two types of guardianships, Guardianship of the Person, and Guardianship of the Estate.

 Guardian of the Person is a court appointed individual who makes legally binding decisions concerning the personal needs of the ward. These decisions may include medical decisions and/or placement decisions as to where the ward will live.

 Guardian of the Estate is a court appointed individual who makes legally binding decisions concerning the ward’s income and property. The Guardian of the estate typically pays bills, and handles the financial and property interests of the person placed under guardianship.

 What is a Volunteer Visitor?

 Volunteer Visitors are individuals from the community who visit wards to ensure that their needs are being met and that their guardians are active in their lives.  Once volunteers meet and talk to wards in the community, they are asked to submit reports so that the court can address any needs that aren’t fulfilled.