Many people find themselves dealing with a loved one whose circumstances require a discussion about legal guardianship.

North Carolina Guardianship Law

What you may not know is that the process of obtaining guardianship of an adult or a child is a two-step process. First, there must be a determination that the individual is unable to make important decisions for himself/herself or that the person is not competent by legal standards.

The attorneys at Southpark Family Law will consult with you about whether your loved one might qualify for guardianship. If they do, then the attorney will work with you on the second step: determining who might be the best person to make decisions on behalf of the individual. Although a lot of times the family is in agreement with who should be appointed, there may not be consensus within the family about who should be appointed.

There are two types of guardianship in North Carolina: guardian of the person and guardian of the estate. Guardianship of the person involves making personal decisions about matters such as residence and medical care. Guardianship of the estate involves decisions about property and finances. Our experienced attorneys will talk with you about what type or types of guardianship are appropriate based on your unique situation.

Experienced North Carolina Guardianship Attorneys

Once it is determined that your loved one needs a guardianship, the attorneys at Southpark Family Law will assist you with every step of the process to have a guardian appointed.

Sometimes, a full guardianship is not necessary, and a limited guardianship is sufficient to protect a vulnerable person’s interests. If you believe your loved one needs a guardian, we can discuss with you whether a full guardianship or limited guardianship is most appropriate.

The attorneys at Southpark Family Law are experienced in handling guardianship for adults, for individuals with special needs, and for minor children who need funds held in trust because they lack legal capacity to manage their finances.

If you are concerned about a loved one’s well-being, help is available. We invite you to contact Southpark Family Law to schedule a consultation and to learn more about guardianship options in North Carolina.