Guardianship

Coping with the idea of a loved one becoming incapacitated can be overwhelming.  But when you’re legally unable to help them manage financial and medical decisions, the worry can make matters even worse. 

Implementing a Durable Modified Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy are the best way to help someone make critical decisions about their finances and care.  However, if your loved one has not prepared the proper documentation and becomes incapacitated then Guardianship is the necessary proceeding in which to obtain the legal authority to protect assets, income and make health care decisions. 

Preparing and presenting Guardianship petitions takes extensive knowledge of the process and proceedings both in Surrogate’s Court (Article 17-A) and Supreme Court (Article 81).  Our Guardianship attorneys are experienced in obtaining Guardianship, and Partner, Joanne M. Hawthorne has been certified to serve as a Guardian, Court Evaluator, Guardian Litem, Attorney for Incapacitated Persons, Supplemental Needs Trustee, and Counsel to Guardian in all boroughs of New York, as well as Suffolk and Nassau Counties.