What Can Guardianship Lawyers Do For You?

If you're responsible for minor children or an incapacitated adult, such as an older parent or grandparent or a mentally challenged adult child, the responsible thing to do is to help determine what will happen to them after you die. Even if you're completely healthy, an accident can happen at any time, which could leave your loved ones at a disadvantage.

Guardianship Lawyers Help Draw Up The Correct Paperwork

It's possible to complete the necessary paperwork without using a guardianship lawyer. If you decide to go this route, make sure to tell relatives that you've determined who should care for your dependants if you're unable to do so. Your loved ones will need to know where to find the paperwork, so consider leaving a copy with a trusted friend or relative.

The more popular option, however, is to use guardianship lawyers to create important legal documents such as wills, medical powers of attorney and more. Local guardianship lawyers know the laws and regulations in your state and can help you determine whether you should give someone full responsibility (such as in the case with a child or a completely incapacitated adult) or partial responsibility (such as in the case of a partially handicapped adult who can live and work on his or her own, but lacks the ability to make medical decisions). When you use an attorney to help, your attorney will typically keep a copy of the will so that there's no confusion when it's needed.

A Guardianship Lawyer Can Help Contest A Document

It's a difficult situation if you're ever faced with realizing a guardian isn't doing his or her job correctly. Perhaps an aunt acts as the guardian for your mother and you've realized that your aunt is no longer up to the task. If speaking directly with the guardian isn't working, you may need to file papers to contest the custody. Look for an attorney who's been named as a guardian ad litem by the court to ensure the lawyer knows how the process works.

Appointing A Guardian

Getting the court to agree to appoint a guardian is a similar process to contesting the responsibility. This situation is rarely easy on a family, although the process can be done relatively quickly if the court agrees that a person is no longer able to take full responsibility for himself.

How To Find One

Finding the right lawyer is vital. An attorney who's experienced in these issues will know how to walk you through the entire process, from start to finish. If you're concerned about how a parent is being treated by a current guardian, look for an attorney who's an expert in elder law issues. These attorneys have special training and sensitivity to protect people as they grow older.

Guardianship lawyers are an important part of preparing for the future. If you have minors or adults who rely on you to make decisions about their well being, make sure to visit a lawyer to make sure they're taken care of after you're gone.