A conservatorship is a type of legal mechanism that allows one person to manage the financial needs of another. This system is designed to protect individuals who are incapable of providing for themselves due to being incapacitated or incompetent.
When you believe someone in your life needs this type of help, a dedicated estate planning attorney from Carmiece Graves Law could guide you. Judges carefully evaluate these requests, given how dramatically they can impact a person’s life. Instead of acting on your own, relying on an Upper Marlboro conservatorship lawyer could be beneficial. The proper legal counsel could ensure this process goes smoothly.
What Does a Conservator Do?
Handling a conservatorship is a complex job that should be taken seriously. It involves taking control of a person’s assets to manage and safeguard them. That might involve investing their money wisely while paying their mortgage and other obligations.
This role applies to assets and debts. The conservator is tasked with paying creditors and resolving tax disputes that might occur over the years. Because of the potential for something going wrong regarding investments, seeking help from an Upper Marlboro conservatorship attorney is a good idea.
Who Might Need a Conservator?
A judge will only appoint someone to this role when it is necessary. There is a high burden of proof, but an Upper Marlboro conservatorship attorney could assist with making a strong case. Some individuals that could need this type of support include the following:
Mental Illness
Some people who have developed a psychiatric condition may not be able to handle decision-making related to financial matters. These people are often at risk of exploitation and may not be able to act rationally when making these choices. For example, someone with schizophrenia might need court-ordered support to manage their finances.
Cognitive Impairment
Severe cognitive impairment is another common cause for conservatorships. The most common example includes the decline that comes with aging among some people. More severe causes might include dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Incapacitation
In the most serious of cases, a person might require support due to being physically incapacitated. When individuals cannot move independently, they can struggle with even the simplest daily tasks. It is crucial to have someone available to manage their finances and ensure their needs are met.
Understanding Guardianship vs. Conservatorship
The terms guardianship and conservatorship are often used interchangeably. While they share many similarities, conservatorships are seen as the less intrusive option, given that they are limited to financial matters. An Upper Marlboro attorney skilled in understanding the nuances of conservatorship law could assist a person considering this option.
The process for both options is similar in that the court must appoint someone to this role. Without evidence that an individual cannot make these decisions on their own, a judge will not agree to intrude in their lives or trample on their freedom.
Call a Conservatorship Attorney in Upper Marlboro or Largo Today
When facing a difficult decision regarding how to care for a loved one who cannot meet their own needs, it is essential to know you are not alone. Experienced legal counsel could help you understand your obligations and advocate for you in court.
Call an Upper Marlboro conservatorship lawyer today to learn more during an initial consultation.