Get The Peace Of Mind You Deserve Today
Guardianships
Let Us Help Protect Your Loved Ones
A Guardianship gives an individual the legal authority to have custody of, protect and/or manage the assets and property of another. It is a complicated but often necessary process – one that should not be undertaken without assistance from an experienced professional. At Elder Law of Georgia, we can help ensure you get exactly what you need.
What is a Guardianship?
Guardianships come in many forms – including those for care of minors and adults. A guardianship can also be over a person, estate or both. It can also be limited, emergency, temporary or indefinite. Guardianship proceedings take place in Probate Court.
Why Retain Professional Help?
In Georgia, you must have court approval for guardianship appointments. To make any guardianship legally valid, you must have specific language and witness signatures for guardian nominations. For this reason, we recommend you seek help from an experienced estate planning attorney. Otherwise, your wishes and goals may not hold up in court.
How Elder Law Helps
From our offices in Hall County, we help our clients to secure guardianships for minors or adults who cannot make decisions for themselves – or a conservatorship for those adults who cannot make sound financial decisions. Eric Owens helps you survey the entire scope of your needs – asking questions you may not otherwise consider. The result simplifies the entire process while ensuring you get the legally binding outcome you desire.
NEED TO KNOW: GUARDIANSHIPS
A Sensible Advisor with Legal Power
Guardianships can be necessary for a minor when parents are unable to provide care for the child, or to safeguard inheritances for a minor. Guardianship can also be necessary for elderly individuals who can no longer manage their affairs.
Guardians Have Profound Responsibilities
When you are legally tasked with becoming a guardian, it is of the gravest responsibility. That’s because the tasks of a legal guardian may include:
- Ensuring proper care, support, and medical attention for either a minor or adult (the ward)
- Determining safe and appropriate living arrangements
- Making informed legal and healthcare choices
Multiple Guardians for Multiple Roles
There are instances in which you may name different guardians for different roles based on their strengths and situations. This diversity can prove a strength – though you will want to consider these roles carefully.
Conservatorships Differ – But No Less Important
A conservator is legally appointed to manage the financial affairs of someone who is no longer able to responsibly handle money, property, or bills. This is a common outcome in cases of cognitive decline, injury, or other causes.
Financial Responsibilities for Conservators
In Georgia, a conservator may be legally tasked with:
- Managing bank accounts, real estate, and other assets
- Paying ongoing bills and outstanding debts
- Making investment decisions in line with fiduciary duties
- Filing state and federal taxes on behalf of the ward
Many Factors to Consider
When it comes to the welfare of your loved ones there are so many factors you should contemplate when pursuing a guardianship. For instance, you need to have a backup in case the primary guardian cannot serve. You should also consider financial goals, and, in the case of minors, educational, religious, and value structures. There is much to think about, and an experienced professional like Eric Owens can ensure that you do not omit important aspects.
Professional Help Makes a Big Difference
As you can see, there are many steps in the guardianship process, and any mistake can nullify your plans or set you up for problems in the future. But when you work with Eric Owens in our Gainesville offices, you will avoid potential missteps, simplify the process, and ensure you get exactly what you desire.
Put Our Expertise to Work Today
We are ready to help you get through the difficulties associated with the guardianship process – allowing you more time to focus on what is truly important. Learn more about our commitment to service by calling the Gainesville offices of Elder Law of Georgia, P.C., today at 678-971-4971 – or by filling out our online contact form. We also make home visits when necessary.
Begin Planning Today
"*" indicates required fields