Guardianships and Conservatorships
Price and Price: Legal professionals helping New Jersey families prepare for the future
If your loved one lacks the mental and emotional capacity to make certain decisions, you may need to explore guardianship or conservatorship. You may be an adult child of a parent who has become incapacitated. But sometimes spouses or other family members of someone who needs protection may need to explore these options. In other cases, you may be a parent of a disabled child who turned 18.
A court in New Jersey must appoint a guardian or conservator to manage your family member’s affairs. Whether the appointment goes to you or some other trusted person (or in some cases an entity), guardianship and conservatorship carries many responsibilities. The individual or entity appointed will be responsible for making financial and healthcare decisions and must sort out other important details related to the loved one’s well-being.
In Camden, Gloucester and Atlantic counties – and throughout South Jersey – families have turned to the elder law firm of Price and Price, LLC for help with guardianships and conservatorships. If you have questions or want to find out how to become a guardian or conservator for a loved one, call 856.429.5522 for a consultation.
In most cases involving elder law, it’s important to act promptly. Unfortunately, people who decide to delay seeking legal advice may end up facing more complications – and expenses. With guardianships or conservatorships, the person who lacks capacity may have a degenerative condition such as Alzheimer’s disease. By acting early, your loved one may be able to offer some input into important planning decisions. You may even be able to avoid the need for a guardian or conservator.
Guardianship and conservatorship in New Jersey: What is the difference?
- Guardianship: The appointee takes control of a mentally incapacitated adult’s financial transactions and medical and personal decisions. The two types of guardianships are: 1) Guardian is in charge of financial decisions; and 2) Guardian is in charge of personal and medical decisions. In most cases, one person will take on both roles, but two or more people may be appointed to take on the responsibilities.
- Conservatorship: The appointee only has control over finances of another adult who has decision-making capacity. The conservator will not be allowed to make personal or medical decisions.
The appointment of a guardian or conservator most likely would not be necessary if the adult, before becoming incapacitated, signed a durable power of attorney for medical care and finances. These legal documents would contain the name or names of those designated to take charge.
We provide a helping hand for families who need to file guardianships or conservatorships. But we also assist clients in contesting, litigating or opposing guardianships. In any type of elder law service we provide, our goal always remains protecting the interests of the elderly, incapacitated, caregiver and family throughout the process.
Referrals from personal injury attorneys
If an adult is injured in an accident and becomes mentally disabled as a result of a brain injury or some other serious injury, the victim’s loved ones may need to seek guardianship. We accept referrals from personal injury attorneys whose clients needs help with filing guardianships. Please contact us if you are an accident attorney in New Jersey who is seeking help with a guardianship for a special needs client.
See related articles:
How to reach Price and Price
If your loved one is incapacitated and you need trusted legal guidance, contact Price and Price immediately for a consultation. We realize you may have many questions. You may not be sure what to do next. That’s why we’re here. We will answer your questions and help you determine the best course of action.
A leading law firm in South Jersey, Price and Price puts a personal touch on every case we handle. Our team puts experience and resources to work for clients in Camden County, Gloucester County, Atlantic County and in communities throughout South Jersey. Discover the difference we can make in your life today. Call 856.429.5522.
We also offer consultations via Skype and FaceTime. Whether by phone, by computer, or by visiting our office in Haddonfield, we strive to make client service a top priority.
Price and Price. Professional and prepared. New Jersey’s clear choice.
Contact Us
"*" indicates required fields
Related Items
Price & Price attorneys have received recognition from various groups and publications. Specific awards are noted on our attorney bios. More information about each of these awards and the methodology used for selection can be found on the following links. Super Lawyers and SJ Magazine 2017 Top Attorneys. No aspect of these accolades has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.