Resources
Questions, answered plainly
Understanding guardianship and representative payee services can feel overwhelming. Here are the questions we're asked most often, along with trusted outside resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might want to know
Paramount Services Inc. provides corporate guardianship and representative payee services to individuals who need support with personal decisions or managing their benefits. We work with individuals, families, care providers, and community partners to promote safety, dignity, and stability.
Corporate guardianship is a service in which an organization is appointed by a court to help make certain decisions for a person who has been found to need that support. The guardian's responsibilities depend on the authority granted by the court and may involve personal or financial matters.
A person may need a guardian if a court determines that they are unable to make or communicate certain decisions and require assistance to protect their health, safety, or financial interests. Each person's situation is different, and less restrictive options may also be considered.
A guardian is appointed through a court process. Someone concerned about an individual may file a petition with the court, which reviews the circumstances and determines whether guardianship is appropriate.
A representative payee is a person or organization appointed by the Social Security Administration to receive and manage Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits for someone who needs help managing those benefits.
A representative payee uses a person's benefits to help meet their needs, such as housing, food, utilities, clothing, and medical expenses. The payee also keeps records and follows Social Security Administration requirements for managing and reporting the use of benefits.
A guardian is appointed by a court and has specific decision-making responsibilities established by that court. A representative payee is appointed by the Social Security Administration to manage a person's Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits. Depending on their needs, a person may have both.
Family members, social workers, case managers, care providers, healthcare professionals, attorneys, and other community partners can contact us about a referral. Individuals seeking information for themselves are also welcome to reach out.
You can contact Paramount Services Inc. through our website, by phone, or by completing our referral form. Our team will discuss the individual's needs and explain the next steps.
We may ask for basic contact information, a description of the support needed, and information about the individual's current care or benefits. If guardianship is involved, we may also ask about any existing court orders. Please contact us before sending sensitive personal or financial information.
Yes. We believe each person should be heard and involved in decisions to the greatest extent possible. We strive to understand and respect their wishes, preferences, and personal goals while carrying out our assigned responsibilities.
Yes. We value the role family and trusted friends can play. We work to communicate and collaborate with the people involved in an individual's life, while respecting the individual's privacy, wishes, and any legal requirements.
Fees depend on the services needed and the circumstances of each case. We can discuss applicable fees and payment options during the referral process.
Paramount Services Inc. serves individuals and families in Wisconsin. Please contact us to discuss service availability in your area.
Contact our team through the website or by phone. We're happy to answer your questions, learn about the situation, and discuss possible next steps.
Trusted Outside Resources
Where to learn more
These organizations publish the official information behind much of what we do. We're glad to help you make sense of any of it.
Social Security Administration
Official information about Social Security and Supplemental Security Income.
SSA Representative Payee Program
What a representative payee does and the rules they follow.
Wisconsin Court System
Wisconsin courts information, including guardianship and probate resources.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
State programs and services for older adults and people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Wisconsin's protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities.
Board on Aging and Long Term Care
Wisconsin's long-term care ombudsman program and advocacy services.
National Guardianship Association
National standards and education for guardianship practice.
Let's talk about the support you need
Whether you're a family member, a care provider, or someone looking for information for yourself — we're glad to answer your questions and explain the next steps.
1025 Glen Oaks Lane, Suite 207 · Mequon, WI 53092

