Ellicott City Guardianships Lawyer

Guardianships Attorney In Ellicott City

When your loved one becomes vulnerable in Ellicott City, whether due to a disability, a medical condition, or because they are a minor, their protection is of utmost importance. For families and loved ones of this vulnerable individual, establishing guardianship can be a key tool in securing their future. In Ellicott City, a historical town in Howard County, there are several reasons why guardianship is crucial, and an Ellicott City guardianship lawyer can help.

Navigating the legal complexities of any guardianship case can prove to be a challenge. This can be an emotionally taxing time, and you deserve a legal team that will be there to support you every step of the way. At Liberty Legacy Law Group, our team of trusted guardianship attorneys can help you and your loved ones understand the legal process of establishing guardianship and assist you in making informed and correct decisions. We know this is a difficult time, so let us help you.

Defining Guardianship in Ellicott City

Many people think of guardianship in the scope of minor children who are left without parents. This is one instance of guardianship, and it can typically be accomplished through the will and wishes of the deceased individuals. In other cases, establishing guardianship may become necessary for disabled adults or aging seniors. With 18% of the current population in Ellicott City being 65 years or older, guardianship cases are increasing, and so is the need for attorneys.

In Maryland, the guardianship process begins by first determining whether there is an actual need for guardianship. This will then be followed by court proceedings, which will require detailed documentation. In most cases, individuals who are petitioning the courts for guardianship must follow these critical steps:

• Filing the Official Petition. First, you will need to file a petition with the Howard County Circuit Court on Judicial Way. This petition will include your reasoning for why guardianship is necessary. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to include medical records or physician’s notes to back up the petition for guardianship.
• Providing Necessary Notice. The court will then require that you notify the necessary parties about the petition and give them the opportunity to either support or reject your petition for guardianship.
• The courts may then require that the proposed ward undergo an evaluation, depending on the unique circumstances of the guardianship case. This may involve a medical assessment or a psychological assessment.
• The court will schedule a hearing in which the judge will hear testimony from all parties involved in the guardianship case and review any provided evidence to decide whether to approve the petition for guardianship.
• Appointment of Guardianship. If the courts approve the petition, they will officially appoint a guardian, and that individual will begin their new legal duties.

Keep in mind that filing for guardianship involves several forms of extensive paperwork. Between 2017 and 2022, the state of Maryland heard over 4,800 public guardianship cases. During these cases, the help of an attorney proves vital. An attorney can look over all necessary paperwork, ensure that it is properly filled out, and ensure that there are no errors that could result in a dismissal of the case or a delay in the proceedings.

When you are granted guardianship over another person, you are also given the authority to make certain decisions regarding their well-being. These decisions and other responsibilities can include:

• Making medical and healthcare decisions for the ward
• Maintaining the residence of the ward or making alternative residence plans, such as placing them in an assisted living home or nursing home facility
• Consenting to and then supervising, when necessary, the education, behavioral therapy, counseling, and psychiatric treatments of the ward
• Making any end-of-life decisions for the ward
• Securing and maintaining the autonomy of the ward
• Handing all of the finances for the ward, including paying their bills
• Safeguarding the ward’s property and assets of the ward

For the elderly, guardianship is typically sought when the potential ward has suffered a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other disability or is dealing with the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, you must prove that there is a need for this individual’s guardianship. In the guardianship petition, you must prove the following elements:

• No Other Form of Intervention Will Work. First, you need to prove that there is no other means to ensure the safety and health of the proposed ward. Your petition should prove that there were other less-restrictive efforts made to handle the person’s affairs, but they were not useful or successful. You will also need to complete a guardianship training program provided by the state of Maryland.
• The Alleged Ward Lacks Sufficient Capacity. You then must be able to demonstrate that the individual is unable to communicate or make responsible decisions for themselves. You must also demonstrate your relationship with the individual.
• There Is a Cause For the Insufficient Capacity. Finally, you will need to prove the exact nature of the disability that is causing your loved one to lack sufficient capacity. This can be any kind of disease, mental disability, or even a substance abuse issue.

How Liberty Legacy Law Group Can Help

When you are seeking guardianship in Ellicott City, the need for qualified legal assistance could not be greater. Your attorney can help you with all of your duties, such as making decisions regarding the ward’s finances and health, resolving any disputes that may arise regarding the ward, and adapting to any change in circumstances that may occur.

Speak to a Trusted Ellicott City Guardianships Lawyer Today

At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we are committed to guiding you and your loved ones through the process of seeking legal guardianship in Ellicott City. We understand the challenges that can arise in these cases and can help you navigate them with confidence and clarity. Contact our office in Ellicott City today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about our guardianship services.