Guardianship And Conservatorship Attorney In Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Making decisions for a loved one can be hard, especially when you are unsure what they need or what you can do to help. You may have questions about who can make decisions for them, what authority you may need and how Pennsylvania courts handle these matters.
At the Law Offices of David H. Trathen, I provide personal, one-on-one legal guidance for families in Bloomsburg. You work directly with me throughout your case, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, understand your options and stay involved in decisions about your family.
When Is Guardianship Or Conservatorship Necessary?
Families may consider these legal arrangements when an adult needs help with personal or financial matters. This may happen when an adult:
- Cannot make or communicate important decisions
- Cannot manage money, property or other financial matters
- Cannot meet essential health or safety needs
- Needs help with certain personal or financial decisions
Before appointing a guardian, a Pennsylvania court must consider less restrictive options. Depending on the situation, these may include a power of attorney, healthcare directive or other support.
If those estate planning options cannot meet the person’s needs, the court may consider guardianship and determine how much authority the guardian should have.
Guardianship Versus Conservatorship: What’s The Difference?
In Pennsylvania, guardianship may cover an adult’s personal needs, financial affairs or both. The court determines what areas a guardian should oversee based on the person’s needs.
Guardianship
A guardian of the person may make certain decisions about care, treatment, living arrangements, health and safety. This may help when someone can no longer make important personal decisions.
A guardian of the estate may manage money, income, property and other financial matters. If someone needs help in both areas, the court can appoint a guardian for both. The court can also limit the guardian’s authority to specific areas where help is needed.
Conservatorship
Conservatorship involves court-appointed management of an adult’s property or financial interests. In Pennsylvania, the concept overlaps with guardianship of the estate, which covers an incapacitated adult’s money and property.
For a Pennsylvania family, conservatorship is not usually a separate choice from estate guardianship. The key question is what help the adult needs and how much authority another person should have.
Guardianship And Conservatorship Process In Pennsylvania
Each case is different, but the process may include:
- Filing a petition and supporting documents
- Providing required notice and evaluations
- Attending a court hearing where the court determines whether guardianship is needed and what authority it should include
- Following ongoing reporting and other responsibilities after appointment
The court considers the person’s condition, capacity and needs, as well as less restrictive options. I explain each step so you can understand your options and stay involved in decisions about your family.
Talk With A Guardianship Lawyer About Your Options
If you are considering guardianship or conservatorship in Bloomsburg, you do not have to handle the process alone. A lawyer can help you understand your options and prepare for the decisions ahead.
Contact the Law Offices of David H. Trathen to discuss your circumstances and learn how I may be able to help. Call my firm at 877-772-5261 or send an online inquiry to schedule an appointment.