Why a Guardianship May Be Necessary and How to Avoid It

What is a guardianship?

A guardianship is typically defined as a protective legal proceeding for someone who is incapacitated and unable to manage his/her own affairs. Incapacitated means that the elder is no longer able to receive and evaluate information and communicate decisions. This usually applies to the ability to make financial decisions or care-related decisions.

When is a guardianship necessary?

A guardianship is necessary when the person is incapacitated and no one else has access to the finances, or if the elderly person refuses to receive appropriate care. Being vulnerable to exploitation can be another reason a guardianship for an elder may be warranted. These situations, accompanied by a lack of legal documents governing such situations, mean that a guardianship is necessary. Guardianships can be long and complex, but they can also be avoided.

How to avoid a guardianship?

There are several actions that can be taken to avoid the need for a guardianship. A visit to an elder law attorney can be an excellent way to set a plan in motion for if or when you or an elderly loved one becomes incapacitated.

1. Durable Financial Power of Attorney – By having a financial power of attorney in place, the stress and expense of a guardianship can be avoided. This also gives the elderly person the final say in who will make decisions relating to finances. A durable financial power of attorney names an agent who has the power to act in the place of the senior adult regarding financial matters. Being a durable financial power of attorney allows this power of attorney to stay in effect if the senior adult becomes unable to handle his/her own financial affairs.
2. Healthcare Power of Attorney – A durable healthcare power of attorney is a document that grants authority to an agent to make healthcare decisions for the person signing the document. Healthcare decisions can include decisions related to facility placement, admittance to a hospital, or choosing and hiring healthcare aides.
3. Trusts – Trusts can have a triggering mechanism, such as a doctor’s determination of incapacity, for a trustmaker who is serving as trustee for their own trust. If the trustee is determined to be incapacitated, the successor trustee can then assume control of the assets to make sure they are protected.
4. Living Will – A living will details a senior’s wishes for end of life medical care. It can include what medical treatments the senior would or would not like to have in specific situations. This is used in conjunction with the durable healthcare power of attorney to allow for the wishes of an incapacitated person to be executed.
5. Conservatorship – In some states, a person can voluntarily choose to have someone else manage their affairs, but they may have to prove that they are unable to manage for themselves. A standby guardian is another option in some states in case the person loses the ability to care for himself/herself.

A guardianship can be costly, long, and difficult. This can mean that an incapacitated person is unable to receive the help they require. In fact, this process may even mean that the elderly person is in position of danger or vulnerability until the guardianship can be obtained. An elder law attorney can walk you through all of the necessary legal provisions, provide explanation, and prepare the paperwork to avoid a guardianship. Consulting and planning with an elder law attorney will help to ensure that all options are explored and the best possible solution is utilized to make the task easier.

Contact our Chicago office at (312) 641-9500 to schedule an appointment.