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...
Guardianships And Conservatorships
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...
Points to consider when making guardianship decisions
Sometimes, as a last resort, a person in New Jersey may have to have a guardian appointed to an adult child who is incapacitated or has special needs. It is essential that, when choosing a guardian, a person does not rush into making a guardianship decision. The...
Choosing the least-restrictive alternative in guardianship
When a person is appointed as a guardian over another person, making medical decisions on behalf of that individual can be difficult. After all, while guardianship in New Jersey is seen as a last resort, guardians still have the duty to make decisions the...
What standard should New Jersey guardians use to make decisions?
Being appointed as a guardian over a person should be seen as a last resort, but sometimes if a person is incapacitated, it is necessary. New Jersey recognizes two types of guardianship. One is guardian of the property. This individual takes care of the incapacitated...
Where to turn when guardianship is a last resort
Sometimes, a person in New Jersey suffers from a mental deficiency, such as Alzheimer's or dementia. As a result, they are not capable of making appropriate decisions on their own behalf. When this happens, a legal guardian may need to be assigned for that person. In...