Guardianship Attorney in Greenfield, IN
Get Help From a Guardianship Attorney in Greenfield, IN
It may be necessary to establish guardianship to intervene on behalf of a person who is no longer able to manage his or her own affairs due to an incapacity so you can make appropriate financial or health care decisions for them. This incapacity could stem from dementia, mental illnesses, alcoholism or necessary in situations of a lifelong disabled child turning 18 years of age.
Navigating the guardianship process can be a daunting task and poses substantial challenges even for guardianship attorneys experienced in litigation. Each situation is unique, and family dynamics can often complicate the guardianship process even further. Martin Law Firm understands how very difficult it is to deal with the disability of a loved one, and we are sensitive to the emotional needs of the disabled person and of his or her family.
What is Guardianship?
Guardianship is the process through which a court appoints a legal decision-maker for a disabled child or adult who is unable or unwilling to make decisions on his or her own behalf. The appointment can be made upon the voluntarily consent of the disabled individual or on petition of a third party. Guardianship can also be on a temporary basis or permanently.
Guardianship proceedings can often be avoided if the disabled person has signed appropriate Powers of Attorney, which clearly state the disabled person’s wishes and name the individuals to make decisions in the event of incapacity. Such Powers of Attorney must, of course, have been executed while the disabled person had the legal capacity to sign such documents. They include a General Durable Power of Attorney, which appoints trusted individual to handle the financial affairs of the disabled person, and Advanced Directives, which places the power to make and communicate health care decisions in the appointed agent, including the power to make end-of-life decisions.
If you are considering seeking guardianship of a loved one, you should be working closely with a guardianship attorney who can advise and guide you through the complex process of becoming a guardian as well as explaining your duties and obligations as guardian once an appointment has been made. The Martin Law Firm, has the experience to guide you through the judicial guardianship maze.