Nobody lives forever, which is why the parents of special-needs children need to plan ahead. When you have an adult child with special needs, there will come a time when you’re no longer around to protect them and make sure that their needs are met -- and that means...
How to establish adult guardianship in New Jersey
When a person turns 18, they reach the legal age of majority, meaning that a person’s parents can no longer make legal decisions for them. However, many adults suffer from developmental disabilities and may require help with these decisions. This person is called a...
3 Reasons to consider guardianship for an aging parent
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of adulthood is watching a beloved parent grow older and lose the ability to care for themselves. When an elder loses their comprehension due to an injury or illness, it can interfere with their ability to make rational,...
Guardianships still focus on giving people as much independence as possible
A guardianship naturally does take away some of a person’s independence. It gives the other party the legal ability to act on their behalf. For instance, if an elderly person has a mental condition that means they can no longer take care of their financial affairs,...
Mistakes to avoid when naming a guardian for your loved one
You have a dependent relative who is precious to you, and you naturally want to secure their future -- even if you aren’t here to see it. But picking a guardian in case you aren’t around to take care of your parent, mentally-impaired relative or special needs child...
What all New Jersey families should learn about conservatorships
The two terms guardianships and conservatorships often confuse families in need of solutions for their elder loved ones. In some states, these two terms mean the same thing, but in New Jersey, there are some subtle, yet important, differences. Our estate planning and...
Avoid guardianship hell with advance planning now
Here in New Jersey, many elder law attorneys still marvel at the case of Ada Vocino, which happened about five years ago. From all appearances, she had a loving relationship with her only child, Patricia. When the time came for Ada to give up her financial...
What duties are there regarding guardianship of the estate?
New Jersey courts generally want people to have as much autonomy as possible when it comes to making health care decisions and handling their financial affairs. However, sometimes a person becomes mentally or physically incapacitated to the point that they can no...
Help is available when guardianship is the only option
It can be difficult to see a loved one's mental or physical capabilities decline over time. Unfortunately, sometimes the situation becomes so serious that a guardian must be appointed. A guardian becomes necessary when the person is incapable of taking care of their...
Guardianship of an estate is not necessary in every situation
Parents of adult children with a disability or adult children of an elderly parent may be concerned that their loved one is unable to handle their personal and financial affairs on their own. If a person is incapacitated, guardianship may be sought if no other...