Knowing when it is time to step in and manage the affairs of someone who lacks the cognitive faculties to do it for themselves is a slippery slope. Act in haste, and someone will accuse you of violating someone’s rights. But wait too long, and if something happens,...
When an adult or minor faces challenges managing personal or financial affairs, the court may appoint a guardian or conservator to step in. Many families wonder if a person can decide in advance who will care for them if they ever need this legal protection. Georgia...
When a parent's health or safety declines suddenly, you feel like you are racing against the clock. The standard guardianship process in Georgia typically takes several months, a delay that can be dangerous if your loved one faces immediate physical harm or financial...
When a loved one can no longer manage their finances, a conservator may step in to handle their money and property. It is important for you as a family member to know what a conservator can do. In Georgia, courts carefully define these powers. They balance control...
When you are a beneficiary of an estate, you place trust in the executor, who is one type of 'personal representative’. This person has a legal "fiduciary duty" to manage the estate's assets honestly and in your best interest. If you suspect an executor is failing...
In Georgia, guardianship occurs when the court appoints a person, known as the guardian, to make decisions for another individual. The individual under the care of the guardian is the ward. A ward is unable to make decisions for themselves. The guardian role carries...
Debilitating medical conditions can affect an individual's ability to live independently, especially in their golden years. People living with physical limitations may require support from loved ones. As people age, their risk of different, significant medical...
If you believe someone in your family shouldn’t be making decisions for an elderly or incapacitated loved one, you’re not without options. Georgia law gives you the right to challenge a conservatorship, especially when the proposed conservator has financial red flags,...
Few things are more heartbreaking than a young child losing their parent. Parents who took the time to plan for this tragic possibility may have a guardianship in place. These documents are meant to help better ensure a trusted individual or family steps in and raises...
In the complex proceedings of guardianship cases in Georgia, a crucial figure often emerges—the Guardian ad Litem. Understanding the role and responsibilities of a Guardian ad Litem can help you better understand and navigate guardianship cases. What is a Guardian ad...