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Everything You Need To Know About Guardianship Law

Feb. 14, 2018

Are you facing a legal crisis? Are you in a situation where you need to appoint a legal guardian for yourself or someone in your family?

If you answered yes, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, we’ll review guardianship law and give you a background on exactly what it is. That way, if you’re faced with a situation where you need a guardian, you’ll know what to expect.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading to get the answers to all your questions.

What Is a Legal Guardian?

To make it simple, a legal guardian is a person the court designates to take care of and/or manage the finances of either:

  • A child who is a minor

  • An adult not competent enough to take care of themselves

Guardians can provide care, manage finances, or, in some instances, do both. Child and adult guardianships are treated differently, though.

The needs and requirements of each case will differ depending on the age and status of the individual receiving the care.

When Might My Family Need a Guardian?

Legal guardians may be appointed for many different reasons:

  • If someone in your family is mentally challenged

  • If someone in your family has sustained brain damage

  • If someone in your family has fallen into a coma

  • If someone in your family suffers from any type of dementia or Alzheimer’s

While it isn’t an all-encompassing list, it will give you an idea of what scenarios may result in the appointment of a guardian.

Who Will the Guardian Be?

The court will typically appoint an immediate family member to the person needing guardianship. It can be the person’s spouse or partner, an adult child, or even a parent.

If a suitable family member can’t be found, the court may then turn to extended relatives or friends.

Should I Be a Guardian?

This decision comes down to your own personal discretion.

However, you should know that being the legal guardian of another person isn’t a responsibility that should be taken lightly. You need to be in a position to give your loved one adequate care.

While it is a big responsibility, if monitoring their care matters to you, being their guardian can help to put your mind at ease.

Want to Know More About Guardianship Law?

Just like any other type of law, guardianship law can be complex. You may feel overwhelmed in the beginning. If you’re looking to find more resources about guardianship law, please, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Our professional team will sit down with you and review your options. We’ll give you plenty of suggestions and help you choose the right solution for your case.

We can’t wait to hear from you.