Maryland Guardianship Attorneys
In guardianship, a court appoints an individual to take charge of the financial and/or personal affairs of someone unable to handle those matters independently. Adults who cannot manage their money or personal lives because of physical or mental difficulties can benefit from guardianship. A person who is the recipient of guardianship is sometimes called a ward.
Types of Guardianships
In Maryland, there are two kinds of guardianship.
A guardian of the person is responsible for the physical needs and care of the ward. A person’s guardian may make decisions about the necessities of life, such as food, housing, or clothing. The guardian might also make decisions about education, in the case of a minor, or about housing arrangements and medical care, in the case of elderly adults who cannot care for themselves.
A guardian of the property is responsible for the financial affairs of the ward. This kind of guardian is sometimes called a conservator in other states.
The guardian decides how money is deposited, invested, or spent and the care and management of any assets the ward may own, like real property. A guardian of the property might be necessary to apply for government benefits or pay bills on behalf of the ward.
Guardianship is a complex legal procedure with many filing, training, accounting, and reporting requirements. The circumstances surrounding guardianship can be highly charged and fraught with emotion. If you live in Maryland and have a loved one with special care needs, you shouldn’t have to stand alone. At Levin Gann PA, we have years of experience handling family law matters for our clients in and around Maryland. Our skilled and compassionate lawyers have helped many other families manage the affairs of those who need assistance. Contact us today for a consultation.