Lake and Porter County Guardian Lawyers
The Indiana guardianship process can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if family members disagree on who should become guardian. A skilled Northwest Indiana estate planning attorney can help the process go more smoothly.
At Laura L. Rybicki, LLC, in St. John, our attorneys represent guardians in Lake County, Porter County and throughout northern Indiana. We offer a free initial consultation to explain what is involved in the guardianship process and answer your questions.
What Is Guardianship?
Guardianship is the process of obtaining the legal authority to make decisions for another person, known as a “ward.” The ward may be a parent, adult child or other person who is disabled or incapacitated.
A guardian has a high level of responsibility toward the ward. As a guardian, you are required to manage the ward’s investments and real estate, pay bills, decide where the ward will live, arrange for appropriate care, and file periodic accountings with the probate court.
Is Guardianship Necessary?
You may assume that you have the right to take care of a family member who is incapacitated and can’t take care of themselves. However, banks and other institutions will require you to obtain legal authority before you can manage another person’s finances or make personal care decisions.
Guardianship may not be necessary if the person gave you power of attorney before becoming incompetent. However, once a person is incapacitated, they lack the legal capacity to make this designation. Only someone who is considered competent can give power of attorney to another person.
Our Probate attorney Laura L. Rybicki advises guardians, as well as family members who are concerned about what a guardian is doing.
For More Information About Guardianship
For more information or to schedule a free consultation with our Porter County and Lake County guardianship lawyers, call (219) 365-7766 or fill out the contact form on this website.