What Is a Person in Need of a Guardian (PING) in New York?

Many people assume that guardianship is only for individuals who are completely incapacitated. But what if someone just needs some help, but not total control over their life?

This is where a Person in Need of a Guardian (PING) comes in. Under Article 81 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law, a PING is someone who:
✔ Has difficulty managing certain aspects of their life, such as finances or medical care.
✔ Still has some ability to make decisions and maintain independence.
✔ Needs a guardian with limited powers to assist with specific areas.

📌 Fact: Many families don’t realize that Article 81 guardianship can be tailored to provide as much or as little help as needed—it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

At our firm, we help families navigate the PING process, ensuring that loved ones get the right level of legal protection while retaining as much independence as possible.

🚀 Flat-fee pricing for uncontested cases, competitive rates for all others.

What Is a PING Under Article 81 Guardianship?

A Person in Need of a Guardian (PING) is an individual who:
✔ Can still make some decisions but struggles with others.
✔ May be vulnerable to financial exploitation, forgetfulness, or self-neglect.
✔ Needs assistance managing medical care, housing, or finances, but not total guardianship control.

📌 Example: A senior with early dementia might be able to handle day-to-day tasks but need help paying bills and signing contracts. Instead of full guardianship, a PING order could only grant the guardian control over financial matters.

How Is a PING Guardianship Different From Full Guardianship?

Unlike full Article 81 guardianships, which take away most decision-making powers, a PING guardianship is customized to allow the person to retain as much control as possible.

📌 Fact: Judges prefer to grant the least restrictive level of guardianship possible—making PING a powerful but underutilized tool.

When Is a PING Guardianship Needed?

A Person in Need of a Guardian (PING) may need help if they:

✔ Forget to pay bills or mismanage money, leading to financial trouble.
✔ Struggle with medical decisions but still want some input on their care.
✔ Are vulnerable to scams or undue influence but are otherwise independent.
✔ Have physical limitations that make managing daily affairs difficult.
✔ Had a stroke or mild brain injury and need assistance with certain legal or financial matters.

📌 Example: If an elderly parent has trouble remembering payments, a guardian can be given only financial authority, while leaving personal decisions in their hands.

How Do You File for a PING Guardianship in New York?

1️⃣ File an Article 81 Guardianship Petition

• The court will review medical reports, financial records, and testimony to determine the person’s needs.

2️⃣ Court Evaluator Investigates

• A court-appointed evaluator will assess whether the person truly needs a guardian and how much control should be granted.

3️⃣ Judge Decides on Scope of Guardianship

• The court will limit the guardian’s powers to only what is absolutely necessary—ensuring the person keeps as much independence as possible.

🚀 We handle the entire process, from filing to finalizing, ensuring you get the right guardianship solution for your loved one.

What Rights Does a PING Still Have?

Unlike full guardianship, a Person in Need of a Guardian (PING) retains:
✔ The ability to make certain personal and financial decisions.
✔ The right to express preferences about medical care.
✔ The ability to participate in legal matters as allowed by the court.

📌 Fact: The judge will define exactly what the guardian can and cannot control, ensuring that the PING has as much independence as possible.

Common Questions About PING Guardianships

❓ Can a PING Make Their Own Decisions?

✔ Yes, but with limits. The court decides what areas of decision-making they keep vs. what the guardian controls.

❓ Is PING Guardianship Permanent?

✔ Not always. If the person improves or regains full capacity, the guardianship can be modified or terminated.

❓ What If the PING Disagrees With the Guardian’s Decisions?

✔ The guardian must act in the person’s best interests, but the PING can petition the court if they feel their rights are violated.

❓ Can a PING Still Manage Their Own Money?

✔ Depends on the court order. Some PINGs keep full control over spending, while others only control personal expenses while the guardian manages larger finances.

❓ How Is PING Different From Power of Attorney?

✔ A Power of Attorney (POA) is voluntary, while PING guardianship is court-ordered.
✔ A POA only works if the person is competent at time of signing.

📌 Fact: If someone lacks a POA and starts losing decision-making abilities, a PING guardianship is often the best solution.

Why Choose Our Firm for Guardianship Cases?

✔ Flat Fees for Uncontested Cases, Competitive Rates for All Others – No surprises.
✔ Experienced in PING & Article 81 Guardianships – We handle all levels of guardianship cases.
✔ Seamless Italian-to-English Translation Services – For families needing language assistance.
✔ Local Expertise in Bensonhurst, Gravesend, and Brooklyn – We know how local courts handle guardianship matters.

🚀 One meeting, often one flat fee, total peace of mind.

Need Help With a PING Guardianship? Call Us Today!

📞 Call or email us today to schedule your consultation and get the right level of guardianship for your loved one.

✔ Tailored legal solutions that respect independence.
✔ Fast, affordable, and stress-free guardianship process.
✔ Protect your loved one while preserving their dignity.

🚀 It’s time to get the help your loved one needs—without taking away their independence!

Call: 347-692-0222 | email: 7622LAW@gmail.com