Resolving Guardianship and Competence Problems in Ohio
Akron area elder law attorney Margaret Kreiner knows from her own family experience how painful it is to face an elderly parent's progressive loss of independence due to poor health, dementia, Alzheimer's or other medical condition. At the Law Office of Margaret H. Kreiner in Cuyahoga Falls, our lawyers help families with a range of questions related to incompetence, guardianship and arranging protection for a loved one who cannot look after himself or herself. Contact our office for experienced and compassionate advice about your situation.
With more than 20 years of experience with elder law and Ohio probate, we are familiar with the range of circumstances that can lead a family to consider guardianship as a way to protect a parent with declining judgment or cognitive faculties. We can represent you in a probate court petition to appoint you or another person as a guardian who assumes responsibility for an incompetent ward's personal care, financial affairs or both.
Because of the relative expense and administrative burdens of a formal guardianship, we will first work with you to see whether the goals of a guardianship can be accomplished by less restrictive means. We will also work with your family to defuse any potential problems between groups who support a guardianship and those who oppose it.
Additionally, we work with guardians who have questions about the proper discharge of their fiduciary duties, as well as with family members who are concerned about the performance of the guardian who has been appointed in their case.
As estate planning lawyers, we would be remiss not to point out that a well drafted power of attorney executed while a person is competent can save a family the difficulty and conflict that often accompanies guardianship proceedings.
We also understand that the need for a guardian can arise without warning, and that many people resist the idea of planning for their own loss of sound judgment. If you need advice about any aspect of a guardianship, from preparing an application and proving incompetence to questioning the continued need for a guardian's services in a given case, contact an experienced Ohio probate attorney at the Law Office of Margaret H. Kreiner in Cuyahoga Falls.
