Guardianship is a tricky subject for many families. It’s difficult when it becomes clear that a loved one can no longer care for himself, especially if he was a self-sufficient adult at one time. If you’re unsure what a Chicago guardianship lawyer can do, learn more about how they can help families throughout difficult times.
A Chicago Guardianship Lawyer Can Help Minors
The most commonly understood guardianship is when both parents of a minor child have died. If the parents have left a will, it should name who will be guardians of the child. If there was no will, a Chicago guardianship lawyer can help establish guardianship with the court. This can be straightforward if only one person steps forward, but more complicated if loved ones disagree on who would be the best guardian for the child.
Additionally, a Chicago guardianship lawyer can help grandparents or other loved ones step in if the parent is neglecting a minor child or even if a parent is a member of the military and needs to be deployed to a far away location. Guardianships do not sever the parent-child relationship and it’s possible to relinquish guardianship for a limited time.
A Chicago Guardianship Lawyer Can Help The Mentally Ill
It’s possible to have someone declared mentally ill and a Chicago guardianship lawyer can help loved ones assert control over their medical and financial decisions. One of the most famous cases of this type of situation was the case of Britney Spears a few years ago. She became even more famous when she shaved her head and attacked paparazzi with an umbrella, and people all over the world expressed concern over her behavior. In this case, her parents — specifically her father — realized she needed help and stepped in. He went to court and asked to be granted guardianship, though in California it was called a conservatorship. (The two terms are not completely legally interchangeable, so make sure to talk to an attorney if you need to understand the differences.)
This meant that Britney’s father was legally responsible for her financial decisions, but he also decided where she lived and which doctors she should see. It’s quite clear to anyone that this was the right decision for the Spears’ family, as Britney just finished a successful run as a judge on the X Factor. It was unclear whether Britney’s conservatorship would end any time in the near future.
A Chicago Guardianship Lawyer Can Help Seniors
Lastly, a Chicago guardianship lawyer can help seniors if they’re unable to make decisions for themselves, including medical and financial decisions. Seniors can be particularly susceptible to falling for financial scams and a guardianship can help protect their assets from this. Additionally, having a guardian can help ensure that seniors receive the medical care they need, especially if they’re suffering from health problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
These are only three instances in which a Chicago guardianship lawyer can be of service. If you’re not sure whether your situation requires this arrangement, contact Peck Ritchey. We can take a look at your specific situation and help you determine whether a guardianship could benefit your family.