Guardianship
Guardianship is a serious legal step - and one that requires experienced, compassionate guidance.Many Families Come to Us When...
- A parent has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s and can no longer safely manage their own affairs.
- There is no power of attorney in place, and a loved one is already incapacitated.
- An adult child with a developmental disability is turning 18 and aging out of school-based protections.
- They are concerned that a vulnerable family member is being taken advantage of by someone in their life.
- A court has already become involved and they need legal representation to protect their family member.
How We Help
When a loved one can no longer make safe decisions for themselves, guardianship may provide the legal authority needed to protect them. We guide families through every step of the process with care and urgency.
Planning Guidance
We help you understand your options and choose the legal path that fits your family’s needs.
Clear Next Steps
We explain what needs attention now, what can wait, and how to move forward with confidence.
Legal Protection
We put the right legal tools in place to help protect your loved one, your wishes, and your future.
What We Assist Clients With In Guardianship
Adult Guardianship
We guide families through the court process to establish guardianship over an incapacitated adult, including emergency situations when time is critical.
Guardian Advocacy
For adults with developmental disabilities who were never legally competent, guardian advocacy is a less restrictive alternative to full guardianship.
Guardianship of Minors
When a child is receiving money or assets, a guardian may be required to provide legal authority for the protection and distribution of those assets.
Alternatives to Guardianship
When possible, we help families explore durable power of attorney, healthcare surrogate, trust, and other less restrictive alternatives before turning to court proceedings.
What Working Together Looks Like
Step 1 - Listen
We begin by listening and learning about your family's circumstances, concerns, and goals.
Step 2 - Explore Options
We walk you through the legal options available and explain what makes sense for your specific situation.
Step 3 - Build Your Plan
We put the right legal protections in place and make sure you know exactly what happens next.
Helpful Resources
These articles may help you better understand the questions, decisions, and planning options involved.
A Guardian’s Toolkit
Being a guardian is a significant responsibility. It requires dedication, patience, and a strong understanding of their role. To help guardians understand and navigate their duties, various resources are available. Here is a breakdown of some of those resources: Legal Resources Attorney: A qualified attorney specializing...
Guardianship: A Labor of Love… and Law
Guardianship, while a noble undertaking, can be a demanding and challenging responsibility. Guardians often perform many tasks,. They manage finances, make health care decisions, provide emotional support and advocate for their ward’s needs. Balancing these responsibilities while maintaining their own well-being can be...
Understanding the Roles in Guardianship Proceedings
What is Guardianship? A guardianship is an extraordinary legal proceeding where the court appoints a guardian to make decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person, known as the “ward.” This is necessary when the ward is unable to make their own decisions due to incapacity, and there...
Ready to Talk? We're Here to Help.
Every family's situation is different. If you're unsure what steps to take next, we're here to listen and help you understand your options.