There comes a time when one may have to make financial or medical decisions on behalf of a family member. These times can include instances in which an adult family member does not wish for someone else to handle their affairs. If such a family member is no longer fit to make their own decisions, however, it may be necessary to involve Ohio’s Probate Court. By obtaining a Guardianship, you can be given the authority necessary to safeguard a loved one’s interests and to manage their affairs. There are several steps involved in obtaining such authority and it is important that you retain a lawyer to assist you. Our Dayton attorneys assist with the process of obtaining a guardianship. We focus on this area of law so that you may focus on your family and loved ones. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Dayton lawyers helping to obtain adult guardianships
Ohio allows one to obtain a guardianship over an adult when that individual is no longer competent to manage their own affairs. The Courts will grant a guardianship over one who is found to be incompetent due to mental impairment, illness, a developmental disability, or chronic substance abuse. While a guardian will have authority over all their ward’s affairs, a “limited guardian” will only have authority over those issues to which they have been appointed to handle by the Court. The guardian will be charged with ensuring that they act within the best interests of their ward.
The first step in obtaining a Guardianship is to file an Application with the Probate Court. The Court will set the Application for a hearing and notice will be given to the proposed ward. The proposed ward will have a right to counsel and, if they cannot afford representation, an attorney will be appointed to them. If the application is granted, the guardian will be required to file a report with the Court every year. They will also be required to file an annual plan every year along with a fresh expert evaluation. The guardianship will terminate upon the death of the ward or upon a finding that the ward has become competent to manage their own affairs. The handling of such matters can involve complicated issues of fact and law. It is important that you retain an experienced attorney to assist you with this process.
Our Dayton lawyers have been serving southwest Ohio residents for decades. We recognize the stress that can arise when it comes time to apply for a guardianship. This is why we will use your initial consultation to gain an understanding of your situation, to understand your goals, and to help you know what to expect as the process moves forward. We will work with the necessary experts and file your Application with the Court as quickly as possible. Once the matter has been completed, we will be available to answer any questions you may have and to assist you on an ongoing basis. Our firm understands that this is a serious time in your life. We will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today.
Attorneys staying in regular communication with Dayton residents going through the guardianship process
If you are considering applying for a guardianship, then you are already facing a stressful situation. You do not need the added aggravation of a lawyer who fails to stay in contact with their clients. This is why we make attorney-client communication a priority. We will ensure that you receive copies of all filed documents, that we are available to answer your questions, and that you know what to expect as the case moves forward. We are proud of our record of service in the community and we are ready to assist you.
In addition to Dayton, our attorneys also assist those in the southwest Ohio areas of Beavercreek, Centerville, Clayton, Eaton, Englewood, Fairborn, Franklin, Harrison Township, Huber Heights, Kettering, Oakwood, Lebanon, Miami Township, Miamisburg, Piqua, Riverside, Springboro, Springfield, Tipp City, Trotwood, Troy, Vandalia, Waynesville, Washington Township, West Carrollton, Yellow Springs, and Xenia.