When most people living in New York turn 18, the state considers them to be an adult, which means they are viewed to be capable and have the legal right to make their own decisions. Yet, if you have a child or other loved one who has an intellectual or developmental...
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Guardianships
5 quick tips about adult guardianship
People age. They eventually start to lose some of the abilities they once had. At this point, it makes sense that children take care of their elders. Guardianship might help you do that, but it is not for everyone, and it can also be avoided by proper planning and...
What do you need to know about guardianship?
In addition to establishing a plan for property and assets, wills also allow you to select a guardian for minor children in your care. If you fail to specify a guardian, the court will do so on your behalf. While the court keeps the best interests of the child in mind...
What to do after appointing a guardian for your children
A key element of every estate plan for parents is guardianship assignment. Your estate plan needs a clear and specific determination of your wishes for the care and keeping of your children following your death. Once you determine who you trust to serve as guardian...
Determining when you may need to appoint a guardian
Adulthood gives you the power to make independent decisions regarding your governance and financial affairs. However, what happens if you suffer a debilitating injury or when age begins to interfere with your rationale? An adult guardianship allows you to give...
The two major types of guardianship explained
If you are just beginning to think about long-term planning for your loved ones, guardianship may be a new concept for you. A guardianship allows caregivers to proactively make decisions for those in their care. In New York, the law provides guardianships for those...
How should you choose a guardian for your minor child?
In addition to protecting your assets, your estate plan also offers essential tools to protect your family members. For example, wills allow parents to name guardians for their minor children, which can offer ample peace of mind. While it may be an unpleasant subject...
What are the criteria for incapacitation?
At some point, you may need to consider guardianship for an adult in your life. Many people have to make this consideration for their parents as they age. But you cannot simply ask the court to give you control over another adult. You must prove that person is...
Understanding guardianship basics
Though many people will come across a situation in their lives where they may need a guardian or might need to become a guardian for someone else, very few people actually know much about guardianships. What are the basics to know about a guardianship? How does it...
Is a godparent the same thing as a legal guardian?
Some New York parents name individuals to be godparents to their children. You may believe that a godparent is someone who will act as a guardian to a child if the biological parents die. While there are parents who want godparents to fill this role, the truth is that...