Maybe the recent holidays were a wake-up call. You noticed that your dad’s eyesight was fading when he was behind the wheel or maybe you questioned your mother’s recent financial decisions. But you saw that they had lost a lot of ground recently and it’s apparent some...
Age Gracefully With A Plan In Place
Guardianships
Does a loved one require guardianship or conservatorship?
Even the most independent people may eventually need support from others as they age. Many older adults eventually struggle to manage their own affairs or make decisions in their own best interests. Cognitive decline and physical challenges related to age can make it...
What are the responsibilities of a guardian to the ward?
When an elderly loved one can no longer make safe or informed decisions due to illness, injury or cognitive decline, seeking legal guardianship may become necessary. A court-appointed guardian can provide much-needed support by stepping in to protect the individual’s...
What’s the difference between godparents and legal guardians?
A lot of parents think that if their child has one or more godparents, there’s no need to name a designated legal guardian in their will. That’s not the case. Godparents can play a significant role in a child’s life, or they can have merely a symbolic role. The naming...
3 ways powers of attorney will stop disputes over elderly parents
As your parents age, they may face challenges managing their financial and medical affairs, which can be overwhelming for you and your siblings. One way to avoid disputes and ensure that your elderly parent’s affairs are well-handled is to give a power of attorney to...
2 signs you may need to appoint a guardian for your aging parent
As your parents get older, you might notice that they are losing the ability to think clearly, make rational and informed decisions and even care for themselves. Perhaps they are developing a degenerative condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, have recently...
Is it time to appoint a guardian for your aging parent?
As your parent age and lose their ability to care for themselves, you should consider weighing the available options. If anything, you want to be sure that your folks can live as comfortably as possible during their sunset years. For most adult children, the decision...
When should you intervene for a struggling family member?
People seek guardianships for a variety of family situations. Maybe you have a child or a sibling with special needs. They are about to become a legal adult but still struggle to manage their daily life without support. Perhaps one of your parents or grandparents has...
Who do you want as a guardian for your children?
If you're a parent who's making an estate plan, you may be more interested in what happens to your children than what happens to your assets. Certainly, part of your planning is going to be deciding how your assets would be saved for your kids, but minor children need...
What can you do if an elderly loved one refuses a guardianship?
One of the most difficult challenges for many people with aging parents is when a parent reaches a point where they no longer have the cognitive or mental capacity to make rational decisions. What if you know that you need to take over at least some aspects of a...