Practice area
When a parent can no longer decide alone
If a parent has dementia or a sudden illness and never signed powers of attorney, the family may need a court to name someone to decide for them. We take families through it, and look for lighter options first.
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Step 1: Is it needed?
Powers of attorney signed while a parent still understands them may make court unnecessary.
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Step 2: The petition
We prepare it with the doctor’s report and serve the notices.
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Step 3: The hearing
We go with you, and explain each step to your parent in plain words.
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Step 4: After the order
Reports to the court each year, and help with them.
Guardian, conservator or both
The words mean different things in different courts, so we’ll use the terms your parent’s court uses.
Decisions about care
Where a parent lives, which doctors they see, what treatment they get.
Decisions about money
Paying the bills, managing the accounts, selling the house if it comes to that.
Questions
About guardianship
Can two of us share it?
Often, yes. Siblings in two states can serve together, though the court may want one of them nearby.
Does my parent lose every right?
No. Courts are asked to give the guardian only the powers the parent truly needs help with.
How long does it take?
Usually a few weeks to a few months. In an emergency the court can act within days.
Find out if you need court at all
Bring what you know about your parent’s health and any papers they signed.