Certain people in society – children, “incapacitated elders”, and disabled adults – are deemed as needing protection. These protected people – also known as “wards” – legally are placed under a person who will make legal decisions for them. Someone who is responsible for their care. This is their guardian, and to establish a proper guardianship, every guardian needs a guardianship attorney.
Guardians have legal authority to sign documents, make legal agreements, and even incur debt for their ward. On the other hand, they must mange the ward’s physical and financial stability, ensure they have proper access to medical care and any special needs, and ensure housing, educational, and other privileges. As you can tell, guardianship is complicated and serious, which is why having an attorney in your corner is essential.
Guardianship Attorneys & Adoption
Biological children are naturally the wards of their parents, unless a parent’s rights have been restricted in a court of law. Therefore, natural parents don’t need guardianship attorneys to establish proper legal responsibility for their children. However, if a child is not yours biologically, you should consult with guardianship attorneys about your adoption options.
Children can be adopted for a number of reasons, and the most experienced guardianship attorneys will be familiar with what to do in any situation. Whether you are a step-parent looking to officially take legal responsibility for your spouse’s child (or children), or if you are a foster parent who is bringing a child permanently into your home. Or, perhaps you are adopting the child of a relative – a grandchild, cousin, or other family member. And, of course, some couples choose to adopt children either as infants, out of local foster programs, or from another country. In all these instances, speaking with a guardianship attorney is the right thing to do.
Guardianship Attorneys & Child Custody
As the common saying goes, half of all marriages end in divorce. Unfortunately, this can often mean that there are children affected by these separated families. When you have children who are affected by guardianship and conservatorship issues, talk with a lawyer. Only experienced legal advice can help you navigate the complicated waters of family law guardianship.
Guardianship Attorneys & Disabled Adults
If a special-needs child reaches the age of adulthood without having a proper guardian established, it can be difficult for them to set up a functioning adult life. Depending on the physical or mental disabilities that the person faces, they may need someone to intervene. And make sure their needs are still being met. In this case, a parent or other family member can be named an official guardian of a disabled adult, or the adult may become a ward of the state. If you are the parent of a special needs child who struggles with disabilities. Maybe, you’re not sure will let them live a full adult life. Talk to a guardianship attorney about how to protect their future.
Guardianship Attorneys & Elder Law
In some situations, one of our older family members may no longer be able to care for themselves. Maybe due to a physical or psychological disability, they are unable to feed, clothe, or care for their own finances. If your family member cannot keep themselves happy and their needs properly addressed, you may be in a situation where your elder family member should be provided with a guardian.
Multiple Guardians
It’s common for children to become guardians of their aging parents, and in the situation that multiple guardians should be established, situations quickly complicate. There may be a difference between the legal guardian, the group of people who hold Power of Attorney, and any Estate trustees. Guardianship attorneys can help your family understand the best set up for your loved elder’s long-term care.
Compassionate Legal Advice Matters
When you’re looking for someone to help you with delicate family matters, sensitivity of the professional can make all the difference. When speaking with guardianship attorneys about their qualifications, don’t just look at what they know, but look at how willing they are to learn. You deserve a lawyer who listens to you and care for you. Work with only guardianship attorneys who are familiar with your situation. You deserve a knowledgeable, proactive lawyer who shows that your life, and your family, matter to them.