“Mr. Rohde has the unique qualifications of not only being an excellent lawyer who knows estate and elder law, but he is a CPA as well.”
When a person can no longer make sound financial or medical decisions, or clearly communicate their desires because of age, illness or disability, they become at risk for abuse, fraud, neglect and undue influence. As advocates, it’s important to assist family members and caregivers to recognize when their loved ones need additional care and protection. A guardianship, or conservatorship are two legal remedies that provide legal authority to a third party to make decisions for a loved one’s personal and/or financial interests.
Guardianship – A guardian can be appointed of the person only, meaning the guardian has authority to make personal and medical decisions on behalf of an incapacitated individual. A guardian can be appointed of the estate only, meaning the guardian has authority to make financial decisions on behalf of an incapacitated individual. Lastly, a guardian can be appointed of the person and estate, meaning the guardian has authority to make personal, medical and financial decisions for an incapacitated individual.
Conservatorship – Unlike a guardianship, a conservator is appointed when a person is not incapacitated but chooses to have a conservator appointed to handle his or her financial affairs.
Although the decision to pursue legal guardianship or conservatorship of a loved one is often not an easy decision to make, the Rohde Law Group has experience in navigating their clients through the guardianship and conservatorship filing process and advising clients of their legal obligations after appointment.
The Rohde Law Group will address the long-term care plan, the needs for your loved one and will help your family determine whether a guardianship or conservatorship is appropriate.