Your Trusted Guardianship Attorney

In the realm of family law, guardianship plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of individuals who may require support and decision-making assistance. A guardianship is a legal role typically appointed by the probate court, granting a person, known as a legal guardian, the legal authority to make crucial personal, medical, and financial decisions on behalf of another individual, referred to as a ward.

**Understanding Guardianships:**

In most guardianship scenarios, the ward is a child or an individual facing significant mental or physical disabilities that impede their capacity to make independent decisions. Some states may refer to a guardianship as a conservatorship. Guardianships come in various forms, each tailored to the specific needs of the ward, and their scope can vary based on state regulations.

**Types of Guardianships:**

– **Full Guardianships:** These comprehensive guardianships provide the guardian with complete decision-making authority over the ward’s personal, financial, and healthcare matters, particularly when the ward cannot make any decisions on their own.

– **Limited Guardianships:** In cases where the ward can make certain personal decisions but requires assistance with complex financial, healthcare, or life-related choices, a limited guardianship is appropriate.

– **Co-guardianships:** When the court appoints two guardians to jointly make decisions for one ward, it serves as a safeguard against any potential misuse of authority.

– **Short-Term or Temporary Guardianships:** Temporary guardianships are granted in emergency situations or when the ward is temporarily unable to make decisions on their own.

– **Guardianship of an Estate:** In this role, the guardian is primarily responsible for overseeing, managing, and making financial decisions on behalf of the ward.

– **Guardian Ad Litem:** Appointed by the court, a guardian ad litem represents the ward’s interests in legal proceedings.

Our dedicated guardianship attorneys at The Bickel Firm are here to guide you through the complex legal intricacies of guardianships. Whether you are seeking guardianship or facing guardianship-related challenges, our experienced team will provide you with expert counsel and compassionate support. Your loved one’s well-being is our top priority.