Bucks County Guardianship
Guardianship Attorney – Protecting the rights of your loved ones
We offer expert legal representation in guardianship proceedings across Bucks County and Philadelphia. Guardianships exist to ensure the well-being and management of affairs for minors or incapacitated adults, referred to as “wards.” Our firm guides clients through this complex process with diligence and compassion.
Guardianship Process in Bucks County
Guardianship is a legal, court-supervised administration where a court appoints a guardian to manage the personal and/or financial affairs of a ward who cannot do so independently due to physical or mental incapacity. This often arises for adults suffering from an illness like a stroke or age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, who don’t have a Power of Attorney or Medical Health Care directives.
Types of Guardianship:
- Guardian of the Person – Responsible for personal and healthcare decisions, ensuring the ward’s needs are met and may include placing the ward in a care facility.
- Guardian of the Property – Manages the ward’s financial affairs, from paying bills to handling property and investments. Often, one individual may serve as both the guardian of the person and the property, known as a plenary guardian.
How to Initiate Guardianship Proceedings?
Guardianship proceedings start with filing a petition in the Court of Common Pleas Orphans’ Court Division. The petition must detail the ward’s situation, including their financial, family, and personal circumstances, and justify the need for guardianship by specifying the nature of his or her disability or incapacity. Sometimes it is necessary to use medical expert statements or testimony to support the petition.
After the petition is filed, the potential ward and all interested parties must receive a copy (service of process). The court schedules a hearing where a Guardian Ad Litem or an assigned attorney often represents the ward’s interests. The process can take several months, but emergency guardianships can be expedited to prevent harm.
Guardian Responsibilities
Upon appointment, guardians must qualify to serve, often posting a bond. Guardians must provide regular reports to the court on the ward’s condition and finances. At our firm, we assist guardians with these responsibilities, ensuring compliance and effective communication with the ward and the court.
Alternatives to Guardianship
Before pursuing guardianship, consider alternatives like Powers of Attorney and pre-designations of guardianship. A Power of Attorney allows a designated representative to make decisions on your behalf, avoiding lengthy and costly court proceedings. Similarly, a Living Will or Health Care Proxy can specify medical care preferences and designate a decision-maker.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced Guardianship Attorney Leonid Mikityanskiy provides expert advice and representation throughout the guardianship process. We prioritize understanding your unique situation and objectives, ensuring personalized service, and that all guardianship proceedings and reporting meet legal standards.
Contact Us
For more information on guardianship proceedings or to learn how to avoid them through effective estate planning, contact guardianship attorney Leonid Mikityanskiy at our Southampton, PA office at 215-357-1400. Let us help you protect your loved ones with confidence and care.