Caring for an incapacitated or disabled loved one can bring unanticipated stress. It is a big responsibility that can involve a plethora of moving parts. Caring for a loved one who is unable to care for themselves can mean obtaining legal guardianship that allows you to make decisions on their behalf if your loved one does not have an estate plan that anticipates their incapacity.
In Georgia, the courts can appoint a guardian to make personal decisions and a conservator to make financial decisions for someone who is unable to do so for themselves, if needed. We previously wrote about avoiding the need for a conservatorship in our blog at https://grissomlawfirm.com/avoid-conservatorships.
Because the process of petitioning the Court to appoint a guardian can be adversarial, we recommend that individuals who have the capacity to do so, execute an Advance Directive for Health Care and a Financial Power of Attorney. These documents allow them to name the Agent(s) they wish to make decisions regarding their medical care and finances should they become unable to do so for themselves.
If you have a family member whose long-term diagnosis indicates that he or she will eventually lack capacity to make medical and/or financial decision, consider working with an attorney to have Advance Directives for Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney prepared and executed while your loved one is able to do so. Contact the estate planning attorneys at Grissom Law, LLC today to discuss your specific situation. Our attorneys can help you obtain the legal authority you need to maintain the loving care and attention your loved one deserves.
Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and Grissom Law, LLC.