Legal Guardianship for Adults with Disabilities in Lexington, KY
Whether you are born with disabilities or not, developing them is a natural part of getting older—both physically and mentally. It is important to prepare for the point when you are no longer able to make critical decisions for yourself. Having legal plans in place ensures you’re looked after by someone with your best interests in mind and alleviates stress and uncertainty for your loved ones.
What is a Guardianship?
Guardianship in Kentucky involves a legal arrangement where a court-appointed adult takes on the responsibility of caring for a ward who has been deemed legally disabled and unable to manage their personal and financial affairs. The guardian, who may be a friend or family member, steps in to support the disabled individual in their day-to-day needs.
If there is no suitable guardian available, the court appoints the Cabinet for Health and Family Services as the state guardian. You can learn more about the duties of a guardian and how to set up a legal guardianship by contacting Elder Law Lawyers to arrange your consultation.
Your Adult Guardianship FAQs
In certain regions, an adult guardianship may be referred to as a “conservatorship.”
Conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints someone to oversee the affairs of a minor or an incapacitated individual. It allows for legal guardianship over adults needing assistance, often used by families for the medical, financial, and mental health needs of a parent.
The level of conservatorship depends on the individual’s decision-making capacity, ranging from limited control to full control, similar to a parent-child relationship. In the case of a minor, this is most often referred to as guardianship.
The duties of a guardian can vary in scope depending on the type of guardianship. Some of these duties can include:
- Providing for personal care
- Protecting quality of life, including education
- Supplying life necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter
- Arranging for and authorizing wellness treatments, including medical, dental, and psychological needs
- Filing yearly reports with the court
Yes, there are different types of state guardians, including:
- Full guardian/full conservator
- Personal guardian
- Limited guardian
- Limited conservator
Contact Elder Law Lawyers to explore these options in-depth and learn which type may be most suitable for your circumstances.
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Contact Us for Support
Adult guardianship legal services provide vital support for individuals who are unable to make decisions for themselves due to incapacitation or disability. Our guardianship attorneys assist families and individuals in navigating the complex process of establishing and managing a guardianship.
These legal services play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being and rights of vulnerable adults who are unable to advocate for themselves, ensuring that their needs are met and their interests are upheld under the law. Contact us today to request your consultation.