Guardianship is the process by which a court appoints a legal guardian for an individual who is unable to care for themselves. Elderly relatives, individuals with mental disabilities and minor children are often the ones who might require the help of a guardian. Guardianship places legal control of many aspects of an individual’s life into someone else’s hands.  Therefore, it is important to meet with a qualified lawyer to make sure you understand the pros and cons of this action. The chosen guardian must be trustworthy and willing to act in the best interest of the ward. It is important to consider the serious, long-term responsibilities.

Well-intentioned people who take on guardianship responsibilities benefit from careful advice on how to fulfill all the duties that the law imposes on guardians. Attorney Tim Leighton will help guardians understand those obligations and set up systems to fulfill them.

Financial management is often a critical component of a guardian’s responsibilities. There are various ways to set up the finances of the ward – the person for whom the guardian provides care. Tim will help you evaluate various alternatives and then implement the systems you choose.

Sometimes a court requires a guardian to report from time to time to the court and/or to state authorities. Tim helps Clients understand those responsibilities and meet these expectations.

Careful planning prior to when someone actually needs a guardian can save time and money while also providing significant peace of mind for all concerned.

Click here to contact us if you have a loved one who is elderly and can no longer care for themselves, has become mentally incapacitated, or has a minor child in need of a guardian.