Guardianship
Our Norcross estate planning attorneys provide the trusted legal representation you need in guardianship proceedings through the Gwinnett County courts.
In cases involving minors or vulnerable adults, guardianship proceedings are designed to ensure they are protected. Making the decision to appoint a guardian can be difficult, as can going through the process in the Gwinnett County courts. At Zimmerman & Associates, our Norcross estate planning attorneys are here to guide you in these matters, helping to ensure those you love are protected.
When is a Guardianship Needed?
In Georgia, a guardianship involves the process of appointing someone to act as an official legal representative for another person. In Norcross, these proceedings are conducted through the Gwinnett County Probate Court. It involves filing a petition stating your intent to become the legal guardian of another and the reasons why this action is required.
At Zimmerman & Associates, we provide the trusted legal guidance and professional representation you need in these proceedings. As experienced Norcross estate planning attorneys, common reasons for seeking a guardianship in cases we represent include:
- To care for a minor child: If the parents are deceased, absent from the child’s life, or otherwise unable to provide for them, grandparents, other relatives, or friends of the family may seek to establish a guardianship.
- To care for a disabled adult or one with a diminished capacity: When disabilities and chronic physical or mental health conditions prevent adults from being able to care for themselves, a guardian may be appointed to manage their affairs.
- To care for an older adult who is mentally incapacitated: Conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease commonly strike older adults, making them a danger to themselves or others. Establishing a guardianship helps to protect them.
Appointing a Guardian
A guardianship authorizes a person appointed by the court to make decisions regarding day-to-day affairs on behalf of their ward and to handle matters pertaining to their medical care and finances. Guidelines provided by the Georgia Department of Aging advise that those who may be considered for appointment as a guardian include:
- The spouse of the proposed ward;
- A friend, relative, or another concerned individual close to the proposed ward;
- A person the proposed ward named in advance, as part of their estate planning documents;
- Someone appointed previously, by the state of Georgia, or in another jurisdiction.
In the event a guardianship involves a child, those eligible include people designated by the parents, the grandparents, or others with rights to custody, and those appointed by the court in other matters to oversee the child’s care.
It is not uncommon for the proposed ward or others involved to object to a guardianship. In this situation, our Norcross estate planning attorneys gather the evidence needed and make strong legal arguments to ensure the best outcome in your case.
Our Norcross Estate Planning Attorneys are Here to Help
When dealing with potentially challenging and contentious guardianship proceedings, Zimmerman & Associates acts as a strong ally on your side. To find out how we can help you, call or contact our Gwinnett County estate planning attorneys online today and request a consultation.