Sensitive Representation in Guardianship Matters
Establishing a guardianship for an elderly loved one can be challenging. At the Law Offices of William Roberge, Mr. Roberge offers clients the experience, knowledge and compassion needed to establish a guardianship.
When Is a Guardianship Necessary?
In an adult guardianship, the court determines that an individual cannot care for himself or herself and requires another to make decisions about finances, health and daily living. In Maryland, there may be two guardians, one for the person and another for the finances and property of the individual under guardianship. A person under guardianship may have one or both of these guardians.
The need for a guardian usually arises when the individual does not have a power of attorney or advance medical directives and later became incapacitated. Care-giving and financial management will need to be provided via a guardian as well.
Learn More About Guardianships
For more information about guardianship, contact the Law Offices of William Roberge. Call us at 888-335-2340 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Is the Guardianship Process?
- To begin the guardianship process, family members, friends or other interested parties petition the court to name a guardian. In many cases, a family member or friend will seek to be awarded guardianship. In other instances, an attorney may be appointed as guardian.
- The court requires that two physicians submit declarations of incapacity that declare the individual to be incapable of caring for himself or herself or managing financial matters.
- Guardianship of a person requires the guardian to make decisions about health care and treatment and ensuring that the person's basic food, housing and clothing needs are met and that he or she is living in an appropriate and safe environment. A guardian of the person must file an annual report describing the individual's status and indicate whether any changes should be made.
- Guardianship of property requires the guardian to handle all financial transactions and file an accounting with the court each year describing the person's assets, transactions and other financial matters.
How an Attorney Can Help
Our law firm offers many services related to guardianships. Our lawyer can also counsel individuals and family members about alternatives to guardianship. Attorney William Roberge can help them draft and submit a petition to the court to establish a guardianship for a loved one. He has acted as a guardian of property in some cases. In other cases, he has helped elderly persons oppose guardianship petitions. In all instances, he addresses the situation with sensitivity and concern for the issues raised by the need for a guardianship.
Contact our Law Firm
To learn more about guardianships, contact the Rockville Law Offices of William Roberge. Call us at 888-335-2340 or complete our contact form.
