Revises and updates law pertaining to guardianship to encourage ethical conduct by guardians and to provide stronger protections for wards and proposed wards.

This bill updates New Jersey's guardianship laws to better protect individuals under guardianship (wards) and those who may need guardianship (proposed wards). It requires courts to appoint legal counsel for all wards throughout proceedings, mandates that counsel personally interview wards, and requires courts to establish the least restrictive guardianship arrangements possible. The bill also requires guardians to undergo background screenings including fingerprinting, mandates annual reporting on ward conditions and estate management, and requires courts to review these reports annually to ensure guardians act in the ward's best interests. These changes aim to strengthen oversight and ensure guardianship arrangements respect the rights and preferences of those under guardianship.