If the wardship court declares that the ward does not lack capacity to make certain decisions, the court will immediately discharge the ward from wardship and order the return of their property. The wardship court may give further instructions about the former ward’s discharge from wardship.
If the former ward has been discharged with:
- A registered co-decision-making agreement (Link to co-decision-making agreement) - they will receive their own funds. The co-decision-making agreement entered into by the former ward and their co-decision-maker may provide for some or all of these funds to be jointly managed.
- A decision-making representation order (Link to decision-making representation order ) - they will receive their funds when the wardship court has appointed a decision-making representative. When the wardship court makes a decision-making representation order, it will set out what the decision-making representative is authorised to do in relation to these funds.
There is no ‘gap’ in the management of the ward’s funds. This means the ward’s funds are returned to the former ward when the appropriate new support arrangements are in place.
If you have queries about what the new law means for current adult wards, you may contact the Office of Wards of Court:
- by email at wards@court.ie
- by phone at (01) 888 6189