Guardianship Attorneys in Beavercreek, OH
When an individual handles the affairs of a minor or incapacitated adult, it is known as a Guardianship. Minors, under the age of 18, may require a Guardian if they receive $25,000 or more through an insurance company or inheritance. An adult who can no longer handle his or her finances and make personal decisions could also require a Guardian. Guardianships are heavily scrutinized by Probate Courts, therefore, the Guardian could also require representation. The Lovett & House attorneys have handled Guardianships for adults and minors in several Ohio counties. If you require a Beavercreek guardianship attorney, we can help!
Beavercreek is the largest city in Greene County, Ohio, and the second-largest Dayton suburb. With a population of approximately 47,000, many Beavercreek residents work at the nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Beavercreek ranked 84th in the Top 100 places to live in the 2007 Money magazine, boasting two golf courses, and two shopping malls. Rolling hills and a wooded environment provide a charming area for residents to live, work, and play.
No matter how tranquil the setting, people across the United States often require estate planning services, including Guardianship services. This can be a complex issue. Perhaps you are seeking Guardianship to become legally responsible for another person and that person’s property. You would be the guardian, and the other person would be known as the “ward.” It is important to have an experienced Beavercreek guardianship attorney from Lovett & House by your side to walk you through the process.
Why Choose a Beavercreek Guardianship Attorney from Lovett & House?
When you live in Beavercreek or the surrounding areas, you certainly have choices when it comes to choosing a Beavercreek guardianship attorney. At Lovett & House, we strive to be the best estate planning attorneys. We are highly experienced, knowledgeable attorneys who consistently go above and beyond for our clients.
There is a significant level of paperwork to be prepared and filed during the process of a guardianship application, plus the guardianship hearing can be both intimidating and overwhelming. When you have a highly-skilled guardianship attorney from Lovett & House, you can rest assured that everything will be perfectly prepared in a timely manner. The Lovett & House attorneys have decades of experience as well as:
- More than 100 positive Google Reviews
- An attorney that is a Board-Certified Specialist by the Ohio State Bar Association
- A free five-minute phone appointment to get you started
Whether you want to be appointed as a guardian, or you need help navigating your guardianship, Lovett & House can help.
What is a Guardian?
When a person can no longer make decisions regarding his or her person or property, that person becomes susceptible to undue influence and fraud. A Guardian is either a person, an institution, or an agency that is appointed by the court to manage the affairs of another person. Alternatively, a Guardian is named by the individual before incapacitation occurs. Being a Guardian is a commitment that requires a high level of responsibility, along with the ability to protect the interests and needs of an incapacitated individual.
Although preference is usually given to family members, virtually anyone can ask the court to be appointed as a Guardian. This request must be supported by a “statement of expert evaluation,” from a physician that shows the individual is unable to make decisions for himself or herself. A “voluntary guardianship” can be used for an adult that is physically incapacitated, but otherwise competent. This is generally known as a conservatorship.
Who Needs a Guardian?
When an illness, injury, or disability makes it difficult—or impossible—for an individual to make decisions regarding his or her own health care, finances, living arrangements, or other matters, they should seek a guardian. As examples:
- An individual who was in an accident or has an illness that resulted in a coma
- An individual with an intellectual disability
- A person who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- An individual that has had a stroke with severe consequences
- A person that has suffered a traumatic brain injury
The court will hold a hearing and look at all the facts before determining an individual is incapacitated and requires a Guardian. If the court finds the individual is unable to clearly communicate his or her wishes about finances, health care, living arrangements and/or personal matters, a Guardian could be appointed.
What are the Different Types of Guardianships?
The following are the various types of guardianships available:
- Guardianship of the Estate—allows the Guardian to make all financial decisions for the individual in question
- Guardianship of the Person—allows the Guardian to make personal, day-to-day decisions for the individual in question, including making arrangements for food, clothing, living, education, medical care, and recreation.
- Guardianship of Person and Estate—(General Guardian) gives the Guardian authority to make virtually all decisions for the individual in question
Do I Need a Beavercreek Guardianship Attorney to Petition for Guardianship?
While it is not a legal requirement that you have an attorney when filing a guardianship petition in Ohio, it is strongly recommended. In some instances, incompetency hearings are both difficult, and adversarial. These hearings also require significant knowledge of Ohio law regarding guardianship petitions. In particular, having a Beavercreek guardianship attorney for the guardians of an estate is especially important. The accounting, investment, and expenditure laws of the state can be extremely complex, and failing to follow these laws can result in contempt citations, sanctions, and even criminal charges.
How a Beavercreek Guardianship Attorney from Lovett & House Can Help with Your Guardianship Needs
The attorneys at Lovett & House have handled guardianships for adults and minors in several Ohio counties. If you believe someone you care about requires a Guardian, we can help. We have been helping individuals who find themselves in your current situation for many, many years. We make the process simple and stress-free, ensuring all necessary documents are prepared and submitted in a timely manner. We can take this particular issue off your worry list so you can move forward. Contact Lovett & House today for guardianship and all other estate planning needs.
