Guardianships and Conservatorships
Individuals can protect children or adults with disabilities by establishing guardianships and conservatorships. It is also possible to set up a guardianship or conservatorships for an elderly person who is unable to handle his or her affairs. Parents or other relatives seeking to draw up guardianships and conservatorships have several options available to them.
In addition to creating guardianships and conservatorships as part of estate plans, we also handle litigation involving guardianships and conservatorships. Our focus on estate planning allows us to offer clients a variety of strategies suited to their circumstances and goals.
Guardianship and Conservator Issues
Our lawyers assist clients with matters such as:
- Selecting guardians and conservators for minor children as part of the estate planning process
- Selecting guardians and conservators for disabled children as part of the estate planning process
- Defending guardians and conservators against removal proceedings
- Seeking the removal of guardians and conservators
For clarification, guardianship is of the person, meaning that the guardian is responsible for meeting the ward’s physical needs for food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Conservatorship is of the ward’s estate, taking care of all financial and legal issues. Although one guardian/conservator can perform both sets of responsibilities, it is possible for an individual to name two separate individuals for these roles. Our attorneys advise clients about guardianship and conservatorship issues such as these and help them develop the arrangements that meet their needs.