If your loved one has become incapacitated and can no longer care for themselves, you may wish to become their legal guardian so you can help manage their finances, medical care, and other things. Contact a dedicated Medina County guardianship lawyer from Krause Law today to learn more about how we help you.
The process of becoming the legal guardian of another person can be document-heavy and quite involved, so it is always best to proceed with a skilled Medina County, Ohio elder law attorney who has extensive experience guiding clients through the guardianship process. An attorney can help ensure everything moves along as smoothly as possible and that everyone’s best interests are protected.
Essentially, a guardianship gives a person the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of another adult person. The person the guardianship is for is known as the ward. Notably, in Ohio, guardianships can vary in scope depending on the needs of the ward. To become a legal guardian of an adult, you will have to prove that the ward is incapable of taking proper care of themselves or their property.
To become a legal guardian, you and your lawyer will first file an application in the probate court in the county where the ward lives. From there, you and your lawyer will speak with a Court Investigator who will set up a time to meet with the ward to determine whether he or she is truly incapacitated. The investigator will also use this meeting to determine whether he or she believes you are fit to serve as the ward’s guardian.
Next, you will attend a hearing in the probate court, where a probate judge will determine whether to grant the guardianship. In most cases, the judge will ask the proposed guardian questions regarding the relationship they have with the individual, why they believe the individual needs a guardian, and more. As long as the judge approves of the guardianship, you will then take an oath to care for the ward and look out for their best interests within the scope of the guardianship.
Once you are named a guardian, you will be responsible for managing the individual’s property, finances, or medical care to the best of your ability and in accordance with the law.
If you believe your loved one is ready to have you become their legal guardian, look no further than Krause Law. We are here to help provide you and your loved one with the peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today so we can get started working on your case.
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