If you have a child, a parent, or an elderly relative who can no longer manage his or her affairs, our credible Vancouver WA guardianship and conservatorship attorney can help establish you or another person as the guardian or conservator. Since guardianships and conservatorships are important life decisions, it’s so important to educate yourself on state laws, legal terminologies, and processes.
At Robert Russell Law Office, we can provide you peace of mind knowing that your estate planning matters will be handled accordingly. Contact our law firm now and schedule a free initial video or phone consultation with our qualified Washington estate planning lawyers.
Why Do I Need a Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorney in Washington?
When persons are unable to make responsible decisions about their finances, properties, living situations, or care because of their age, physical or mental condition, a petition can be filed with the county courts to appoint a guardian or conservator. If you know a family member or a loved one who needs the assistance of a guardian or conservator, it is highly recommended to seek legal advice from our competent Vancouver WA guardianship and conservatorship attorney who is familiar with this area of the law so that the correct documents can be prepared and filed with the appropriate court, and the legal procedures will be followed.
At Robert Russell Law Office, we can:
- handle both contested and uncontested guardianship/conservatorship proceedings, representing wards, guardians, conservators, and other people concerned with the welfare of the ward.
- request an appointment of a guardian or conservator and discuss alternatives to protect a disabled adult or child
- advise you on making crucial decisions about the financial support, protection, and guardianship of minor children
- guide you in choosing a conservator whom you can trust to manage the financial needs of your loved ones.
- has provided help and guidance to clients who serve as or need caretakers or guardians for a spouse or family member.
- provide legal services that ensure that each client’s unique needs are met and their interests are protected.
Our legal team represents clients seeking guardianship of disabled adult children or family members who are no longer able to make good decisions for themselves. We provide a wide range of estate planning services to cover all your needs. Contact our law office now and schedule a free initial phone or video consultation.
What is Guardianship?
A guardianship is a legal relationship established by the court to appoint someone (guardian), either a family member or a professional guardian, to handle the affairs of a person (ward), often including financial affairs and health care decision-making. A guardian may be appointed when the court determines that a person is a vulnerable person based on a pattern of conduct of not being unable to care for themselves or being incapacitated. Incapacity might result from an accident, chronic illness, dementia, etc., making it impossible for a loved one to provide care or handle financial matters. Our skilled Vancouver guardianship lawyer can help you understand how guardianship works in Washington.
Being appointed a guardian is an important responsibility, and it is a position that courts do not grant lightly. Once appointed, a guardian has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the individual and in the best interest of the protected person. The types of decisions that a guardian might make include:
- Making arrangements for purchasing necessities like food, clothes, cars, household items, and other personal items
- Organizing education
- Managing finances and bank accounts
- Giving consent to medical care or treatment or making medical decisions in general
What are the Types of Guardianships?
The type of guardianship required depends on the kinds of decisions a guardian needs to make on behalf of the ward. That can range from ensuring the availability of life necessities like food and clothing to making healthcare and financial decisions. If you’re seeking guardianship, consult our trusted Vancouver guardianship lawyer to help you determine the most appropriate type of guardianship that will benefit your situation.
Temporary Guardianship
Temporary guardianships are generally granted by the courts to achieve a specific purpose for a certain amount of time. Once the purpose is accomplished, the guardianship is terminated.
Testamentary Guardianship
A testamentary guardianship is one that’s created if one or both parents pass away. A testamentary guardian is a guardian appointed by a parent in their will for the care of their child.
Limited Guardianship
Limited guardianship is a type of guardianship where the guardian only has the authority to take specific actions that are decided by the court. It refers more to the intended duration of the guardianship than to its scope, but there are a few things limited guardians cannot do that full guardians can. This is typically used when the person does not require extensive supervision and only makes decisions that the ward cannot make. With limited guardianship, all parties must understand and respect the limits of the order.
Guardian Ad Litem
In some cases, the judge names a “guardian ad litem” to work with a child or a person who has a disability which makes it hard for them to understand a case that involves them. Typically an attorney serving in a volunteer capacity, this variety of guardians is court-appointed during a proceeding involving the interests of a child.
What is Conservatorship?
A conservatorship refers to a court process that appoints a manager for the personal care and/or financial affairs of one who is physically or mentally unable to handle either or both. It shifts the responsibility of making decisions from the conservatee to the conservator and it imposes significant limitations on the conservatee’s ability to take actions affecting self-care and finances.
A conservatorship may be granted on a permanent, temporary, or limited basis. In each case, the conservator is granted the power to make decisions on behalf of the protected person concerning the protected person’s finances and legal affairs.
Conservators are legally bound to manage assets in the best interests of the wards. To make sure this is being done, the court generally requires the conservator to provide documentation each year showing how the money is being managed. A top-ranking Vancouver conservatorship attorney can help you determine whether appointing a conservator is required in your particular situation.
Call Our Experienced Vancouver WA Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorney Now!
Whether it be for a child or an adult, selecting a guardian or a conservator is an important decision not to be taken lightly. Petitioning the court for guardianship and conservatorship is an emotional process for families.
Suppose you need help establishing a guardianship or conservatorship for someone who is incapacitated, an elderly family member, or a child with special needs who are reaching adulthood. In that case, our seasoned Vancouver WA guardianship and conservatorship attorneys at Robert Russell Law Office are ready to help. Our estate planning law firm routinely helps individuals designate conservators, guardians, and powers of attorney in preparation for what may come, as well as in response to sudden illnesses and serious injuries. We can explain the options, assist you and your family in making a decision that best suits your needs, and take the necessary steps to implement your wishes. Schedule a free initial consultation by video or phone now to learn more about how to protect your estate, your family, and your legacy.
