As parents grow older, they may need help managing their affairs—whether financial, medical or legal. When they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves, guardianship becomes a critical responsibility. Becoming a guardian is both a legal process and a...
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Will a guardianship protect an elderly parent from scammers?
It's a heartbreaking story we see too often on the news: a scammer has conned an older adult out of their life savings. Our hearts ache for the victim, and we are outraged that these con artists are rarely caught. As we watch our parents age, we begin to worry that...
Is there a way to avoid guardianship or conservatorship?
Most adults in Virginia have the legal authority to manage their own affairs. Once someone turns 18, they have their own financial responsibilities and control over their medical needs. Even if they still live with their parents, their parents can't control what they...
What qualities should a guardian of a child possess?
Estate planning largely revolves around choosing how you would like your assets to be distributed upon your death. A will is a legal document that can carry out this function for you. Nonetheless, your will and other estate planning documents can also be used for...
Can courts appoint the same person as guardian and conservator?
Sometimes, you have to intervene when a loved one can no longer care for themselves or manage their finances due to incapacity, illness or old age. In many situations, your best option is to request the court to appoint a guardian, conservator or both to ensure your...
What is guardianship abuse, and how does the court address it?
Entering guardianship is a serious matter. It happens when an incapacitated individual or a ward relinquishes vital responsibilities and decision-making capabilities to another person or a guardian. Guardians should be looking out for their wards. However, they might...
What’s guardianship and how does it differ from conservatorship?
Making decisions on how to best care for your ageing parents can be really difficult. Not only is it tough emotionally to have to think about your parents no longer being able to take care of themselves, it can also be really confusing to know just exactly what is the...
How to get guardianship of your elderly parent in Virginia
When your elderly parent loses the ability to think clearly and make meaningful decisions independently, it makes them quite vulnerable. It may be due to a serious brain injury or health issues like dementia and stroke. Either way, you should take charge to protect...
Are finances starting to overwhelm your elderly relative?
When you were a child, your parents would have handled matters for you that you were not yet mature enough to deal with. On becoming an adult, you start to gain your independence. Unfortunately, as you approach your elderly years this process starts to reverse and you...
2 signs your elderly parent may need a guardian
One of the most difficult aspects of life is watching your beloved parents lose their ability to be independent. When an elderly person loses the ability to comprehend and make rational decisions due to an injury or the onset of dementia, you may want to consider...