Many people think of a “guardian” as a surrogate parent for a child – perhaps a relative who, in lieu of adoption, takes care of a minor until he or she reaches adulthood.
This is only part of the story. Under law, a guardian is appointed by the court and is responsible for the well being of his or her ward. This can mean ensuring that an incapacitated, elderly or disabled adult is cared for fully.
Johnson, Johnson, & Nolan, Attorneys at Law, has worked with individuals and families who face tough choices following an accident, illness, old age or other circumstance that requires someone to take responsibility for the life of another.
To schedule a free initial consultation with a member or our conscientious and compassionate legal staff, call us in Belleville, Illinois, at 618-207-4137 or toll free at 888-628-8977.
Financing Your Guardianship – An Attorney Can Help
An important part of any guardianship is the financial aspect, which can include:
- Paying the ward’s essential bills
- Filing income tax returns on behalf of the ward
- Providing for the ward’s living arrangements
- Ensuring the ward has appropriate health care, education and comfort
- Determining the status of the ward’s personal property and real estate
- Accounting for expenditures of the ward’s assets to meet the above responsibilities. This is especially true in the case of a minor who comes of age: a guardian must file a final accounting of the minor’s assets, terminate his/her guardianship, and distribute to the ward any remaining assets.
A conservator is a court-appointed party who only oversees the financial aspects of a ward’s care, such as paying bills, taxes and maintaining an estate. A conservator is not responsible for a ward’s feeding, care or well being.
Removal of a Guardian in St. Clair County
Although many guardianships and conservatorships proceed smoothly, it is not uncommon for family members or other interested parties to object.
Sometimes, relatives will contest a guardianship or conservatorship if they believe the named administrator has not acted, or will not act, in the ward’s best interest. Other times, a ward may object to being the subject of a guardianship or conservatorship, arguing that he or she is competent to his or her own affairs.
Our attorneys are ready to assist you whether you seek an uncontested action or are a party to a contested action.
Johnson, Johnson, & Nolan, Attorneys at Law – Establishing Guardians, Conservators and Removals
Our law firm can guide you or a loved one in the initial steps toward establishing a legal guardianship or conservatorship in Illinois. Further, our experienced Belleville guardianship attorneys can assist in removing a guardianship or conservatorship due to nonperformance or neglect of duties, and other failures.
If you need a lawyer to petition for removal of guardian in St. Clair County or surrounding communities, Johnson, Johnson, & Nolan, Attorneys at Law can advise and counsel you wisely. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation regarding your legal needs.