We assist families and loved ones in obtaining guardianship for adults who are no longer able to manage their personal, medical, or financial affairs safely on their own. Adult guardianship is designed to provide legal authority and structure so that important decisions can be made in the individual’s best interests while preserving as much independence as possible.

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Guardianship for adults may be appropriate in a range of situations. Some individuals are born with developmental or intellectual disabilities and need continued support once they reach adulthood, particularly with complex medical, financial, or legal decisions. Others lose capacity later in life due to conditions such as dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, severe mental illness, or other serious health complications that impair their judgment or ability to care for themselves. In each case, our firm works closely with families to evaluate whether guardianship is necessary, explore less‑restrictive alternatives when appropriate, and guide them through the petition, documentation, and hearing process.

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Adult guardianship can involve authority over the person, the property, or both. Guardianship of the person focuses on day‑to‑day and long‑term personal decisions, including medical care, living arrangements, safety, and support services; often used when an adult is at risk of neglect, exploitation, or self‑harm without assistance. Guardianship of the property (or estate) is appropriate when an adult can no longer responsibly manage income, pay bills, handle investments, or protect themselves from financial abuse; the guardian is charged with managing assets solely for the individual’s benefit and reporting to the court as required. In some matters, both personal and property guardianship are needed—for example, when an older adult with dementia requires help with housing and medical choices and also has significant assets that must be safeguarded. By carefully assessing each person’s abilities and vulnerabilities, we help families pursue the level of guardianship that fits their loved one’s needs and satisfies the court’s requirements.