High Point Guardianship Lawyer

High Point Guardianship Attorney

If you want to start planning for your future and ensure your affairs are handled by someone you trust when you need it most, establishing a guardianship arrangement is a wise move. This process provides clarity on who is responsible for making decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. By taking the time to proactively make this appointment before needed with the help of a High Point guardianship lawyer, you can help gain control over your future.

Hire a Guardianship Lawyer Today

At Orsbon & Fenninger, LLP, we understand how personal the decision is to start thinking about your future. It can be difficult to think about a time when you’re unable to voice opinions on your own affairs, but it can be even more comforting to set these protections up well in advance of needing them. In our opinion, now is always the time to hire a guardianship lawyer. And with over 68 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys know how to get the job done.

Understanding Guardianships and Why They Matter

High Point guardianship laws cover the legal relationship where the court gives individual A (the guardian) the authority to make decisions on behalf of individual B (the ward). These can be decisions such as what medical treatment one receives during a period of incapacitation or what to do with a house they own if they are no longer able to care for it themselves. Guardianships are also a powerful tool for those who just want to proactively plan for their future needs.

Establishing a guardianship case for yourself helps to:

• Ensure your values and preferences are what guide future decisions by selecting someone who knows you well and whom you can trust
• Avoid a court-appointed guardianship that could place this critical decision-making power in the hands of someone unfamiliar
• Ease the burden on your other family members and friends during a period of uncertainty or crisis

For those who live in a growing city like High Point, North Carolina, which is home to 118,601 people, taking steps to plan ahead with a trusted individual and legal team can make all the difference in your comfort about an ambiguous future.

Who Should You Consider Setting Up a Guardianship?

Despite popular belief, planning for the future isn’t just for older adults. It can also be an important part of long-term life and estate planning for people of any age. This is especially true for younger people with chronic medical conditions or disabilities who worry about what their future holds.

You may want to consider establishing a guardianship if:

• You are concerned about future cognitive decline, such as from dementia or Alzheimer’s
• You don’t have any close family, or you want to name a specific trusted person as a guardian
• You want to provide clear guidance for your care in case you are seriously injured
• You are a caregiver and want to set up some extra protections for a dependent

Guardianship also plays a key role in helping youth transition out of foster care in North Carolina. For example, between 2019 and 2023, approximately 20-22% of children who exited foster care did so through a guardianship. This further shows how guardianships can be used to protect the most vulnerable communities in the state.

What Exactly Does a Guardianship Do?

The responsibilities of a guardian can vary depending on the scope of authority that is granted by the North Carolina court.

A guardian can be responsible for:

• Making medical decisions and consenting to treatment
• Managing finances, paying bills, and protecting assets
• Overseeing living arrangements and ensuring appropriate care
• Filing reports with the court to demonstrate proper management

With over 1.3 million adult guardianships currently active in the United States that cover an estimated $50 billion in assets, it’s critical to choose someone who is capable of the role and whom you trust. Working with a qualified guardianship attorney can help ensure the selection you make is a solid choice and all legal requirements are satisfied to avoid issues in the future.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Guardianship?

A: The cost to hire a lawyer for guardianship varies depending on how complicated your situation is. The years of experience your attorney has and whether your case involves any disputes are also contributing factors. Some guardianship cases are straightforward and can be taken care of within a few meetings and filings, while others might require extra court appearances and planning time with your lawyer to strengthen the case.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Get Guardianship in North Carolina?

A: The total cost to secure a guardianship arrangement in North Carolina includes fees to file and work with a lawyer. Extra costs could be added for medical evaluations or background checks, depending on what type of guardianship you are looking to secure. If you are proactively setting up a guardianship, having the extra time makes the process more predictable and less expensive when you are not under a time crunch.

Q: Are There Any Downsides to Guardianship?

A: While there are many positive reasons for someone to pursue a guardianship, it’s not for everyone. When you establish a formal guardianship, you are giving someone else the legal authority to make decisions for you. This can limit your autonomy. Guardianships also welcome court oversight, which some people may feel seems intrusive. If you don’t choose a guardian yourself, you also risk the court choosing someone who might not align with your preferences.

Q: Is Guardianship Permanent?

A: Guardianships are not always permanent. Sometimes they can be adjusted or ended in the future, depending on how someone’s life evolves. For example, if the person in question can now make their own decisions again, they could file a petition to have their independence fully restored. When you set up a guardianship for yourself in advance, you can also include preferences or limitations to help guide future decisions.

Contact Orsbon & Fenninger, LLP Today

If you are considering the merits of a guardianship for your own personal situation, contact our firm today. We have been assisting families with these arrangements for many years, and would be happy to assess your circumstances to determine what would be a strong fit to support your needs.