Guardianships in Elizabethtown, KY

Establishing Protection for Loved Ones

When creating an estate plan, it is very important to establish guardians for your children or special loved ones. There are several different types of guardianships that you can create, including guardianships for minors and disabled individuals. When you work with an Elizabethtown estate planning attorney from our firm, you can rest assured that we will help you protect your loved ones. Selecting a guardian may be one of the most important elements of your estate plan, especially for your young children.

Minor Guardianships

If you haven't created an estate plan or established a legal guardianship for your children in the case of an emergency, don't wait any longer. Without any designation, your children could be appointed a guardian by the court. They could be forced into different foster care homes, separated from each other for years. By designating a guardian for your children, you ensure that they will be safely cared for. You should select a guardian based on previous experience with children, financial standing and comfort. They should also be able to oversee the finances you leave for your children's care. Choosing a guardian may be difficult, especially when considering all of these factors. An estate planning lawyer from our firm will help you examine potential guardianship choices, deciding on the best option for your children's care.

Special Needs & Elder Guardianships

If you have a child with special needs, they will be considered an emancipated adult once they turn 18. They will be able to legally make their own choices about every day activities, finances and housing. For this reason, you may want to seek a legal guardianship over them. This means that you will be able to control their finances, health care and other activities. This type of guardianship should only be acquired if your child cannot make their own decisions. You will need to prove this to the court through a doctor's testimony and report. Once you have done this, you will be able to gain guardianship. Having guardianship of your child or loved one with a disability will ensure that their safety is put first.

You may also need to gain guardianship of a parent if they are no longer able to care for themselves. In advanced age, different medical factors may hinder individuals from effectively caring for their own needs. Whether your loved one suffers from a mental or a physical disability, you may be able to gain guardianship over them. This will allow you to legally care for them, overseeing their everyday activities and financial situation. You may need to manage their finances or monitor their estate. If you would like more information on designating or gaining guardianship, contact our firm today. We will help you determine the best option for your loved ones.