A guardianship gives a court-appointed guardian the legal power - and duty - to make personal, medical, and financial decisions for someone who cannot safely manage on their own, whether that's a minor child, an adult with disabilities, or an aging parent facing dementia.
Establishing the right guardian before a crisis means your loved one is protected by a person you trust, not a stranger chosen by the court.
The best time to plan for guardianship is before a crisis occurs, while you can still choose who will care for your loved ones.
Here are the most common situations where guardianship becomes necessary.
When a loved one can no longer make safe decisions about their care, finances, or living situation due to cognitive decline.
When your child with developmental disabilities turns 18 and needs protection and decision-making support as an adult.
Following a stroke, brain injury, or severe illness that leaves someone unable to make important decisions about their care and finances.
When there are no powers of attorney or advance directives in place and court intervention is the only way to protect someone.
Don't leave things up to chance. Plan for guardianship while you still can.