Guardianship is a legal proceeding that grants a person the authority to make decisions for another person who is deemed to be incapacitated and unable to exercise their own rights. While most people associate guardianship with minors, there are several unexpected cases where guardianship becomes necessary. As a family member or friend, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to seek guardianship for a loved one or need legal representation to contest a guardianship. This blog post will highlight some common unexpected cases that require the expertise of a guardianship lawyer.

Adult Guardianship

When an adult becomes incapacitated due to an illness, disability, or injury, they may require a guardian to make decisions on their behalf. This type of guardianship is referred to as adult guardianship and is typically necessary for individuals who cannot manage their financial or personal affairs. Guardianship lawyers can help petition the court to establish guardianship for individuals who require it and also help protect the rights of their clients in contested situations.

Guardianship for Special Needs Individuals

Parents of children with special needs are often faced with the difficult task of determining how to best protect their children once they are no longer able to provide care or pass away. A guardianship lawyer can help families develop a comprehensive plan that ensures their child’s needs are met and their rights are protected. They can also guide families through the process of establishing guardianship for their child when they reach adulthood and provide ongoing legal support and representation.

Guardianship for the Elderly

As individuals age, they may require assistance with managing their finances, estate planning, or personal affairs. Guardianship lawyers can assist families in establishing guardianship for elderly individuals who are no longer able to make sound decisions for themselves. They can also help families contest guardianship proceedings that they feel may not be in the best interest of their loved one.

Emergency Guardianship

Emergency guardianship is necessary in situations where an individual’s safety and well-being are at risk due to immediate danger. This type of guardianship can be established quickly, allowing a guardian to make decisions on behalf of the individual and take necessary steps to protect them. Guardianship lawyers work closely with families to ensure that emergency guardianship is only established when necessary and that the rights of their clients are protected during the process.

Temporary Guardianship

Temporary guardianship is necessary when a person needs assistance with decision-making for a specific period. This type of guardianship is often used in situations where families are going through a difficult time, such as a divorce, and a temporary guardian is needed to make decisions on behalf of the minor child until the parents can regain their capacity to do so. Guardianship lawyers can assist families in establishing temporary guardianship and provide guidance throughout the process.

Guardianship can be a complex and emotional legal proceeding for families. However, it is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of loved ones who are unable to make decisions for themselves. If you find yourself in a situation where you need guidance on guardianship or need legal representation to establish or contest guardianship proceedings, a guardianship lawyer can help you navigate the process with ease. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a guardianship lawyer for help in protecting your loved ones today.

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

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