Many adult children assume that caring for an aging parent gives them full control over their parent's money. But Georgia law treats personal care and financial care as two separate things. Mixing the two up can lead to serious legal problems. Thus, understanding how...
Court hearings can be nerve-wracking, especially if you are seeking guardianship of a loved one. Although every case is unique, understanding what a judge will look for can help you decide whether you are ready to present your case. Here are some tips for preparing...
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,...