One of the most important estate planning decisions you can make is to appoint a guardian for your minor children. Failure to do so could leave your children in legal limbo for some time following your death. Appointing a guardian for your children should be a...
Guardianships
Should you apply for guardianship before your child turns 18?
If you have a child with special needs, an approaching 18th birthday may be a cause for concern. This birthday signifies that your child is an independent adult. For you, it means you no longer have any say in his or her medical care or other choices in life. If your...
Is it guardianship or something else?
Preparing estates can be done by individuals easily enough. But in order to best ensure that your wishes are accounted for, it may be prudent to bring in support. Trusted individuals, a spouse or your children -- people you trust can be granted certain powers in the...
Are you clear on the myths surrounding the cost of caregiving?
You have accepted your role of taking care of your aging parents in Virginia, and you have been doing a lot of research about how to be the best caregiver for them. Be sure that you do not accept caregiving myths as facts. U.S. News & World Report tackles several...
When seniors need a guardian
Many people are used to receiving care from their parents and may have a hard time envisioning a day when their parents will need care. However, some senior citizens may be unable to take care of themselves as they age. In this situation, it is a good idea for their...
What are the duties of a conservator?
Some people who suffer incapacitation are no longer able to make important financial and other life decisions. When this happens, a court may appoint a conservator to manage the estate of the disabled person. While conservators exercise power over an estate, they are...
Who qualifies as one in need of a guardian in Virginia?
There comes the point in many elderly individuals’ lives in which they become unable to manage their finances on their own or care for themselves. When this happens, an adult child or other loved one may wish to step in as a guardian. Before the Virginia courts award...
Two legal ways people can take control for you
Power of attorney and a guardianship are similar in so many ways, but those few differences may be critical when the time comes that you can no longer make your own decisions.Perhaps the most fundamental and important difference is that the state court system chooses...
The role of the guardian
If someone in Virginia is disabled or incapacitated, he or she may be considered a ward and given a guardian. In the event that a person already provided another individual with a durable power of attorney, that individual will act in accordance with the document's...
How do I know if I should seek guardianship over my parent?
If you recently noticed that your parent is having difficulties caring for himself or herself, you may be wondering if it is the right time to seek guardianship. Unfortunately, the answer is not always straightforward.A guardianship would legally allow you to act in...
