My son is currently on remand waiting trial. We have had a really tricky time over the last year learning about some of the things that he has been doing, but we want to make sure that we support him through the trial so that he can get a fair process. Having family on your side can help the prisoners to have an easier time at trial and can often help the lawyers to provide the strongest possible defence in court. This blog explains how family members can help to make sure that legal process goes smoothly and that the lawyers get all of the resources that they need.
Family lawyers don't just deal with divorce, child custody and related issues. They can also help you establish guardianship for an adult. Wondering if you need to consult with a family lawyer about this issue? Here are five signs that you do:
1. Your Developmentally Disabled Child Is About to Become an Adult
As a parent, you have a lot of decision making powers over your children. However, if your child is about to become an adult, that can change on a legal level. If you want to ensure that you can continue taking care of your child in the same way that you currently do, you should consult with a family lawyer.
2. You Are Worried That a Parent or Other Elder Can't Take Care of Themselves
Adult guardianship doesn't just apply to people who are developmentally disabled or have other long term conditions that started in childhood. In some cases, you need to establish guardianship for an adult who can no longer take care of themselves. For instance, if you have a parent with dementia or an uncle who has recently had a debilitating stroke, you may need to become their legal guardian.
3. You Want to Pin Down Your Legal Rights as Guardian
Generally, there are different levels of guardianship. In some cases, you may have power of attorney over another individual. This generally allows you to make financial decisions. There are medical powers of attorney who can make medical decisions.
You can also get full guardianship where you can make decisions on almost everything including whether or not the individual has to move to an assisted living facility. If already do some of these tasks but need to do more, a family lawyer can help you pin that down so that everything is legally clear.
4. You Want to Protect Yourself in the Future
You don't have to wait until someone is incapacitated to take care of guardianship issues. In many cases, you may want to meet with a family lawyer so you can outline your needs for the future. That allows you to select your own guardians and powers of attorney if that's ever needed.
5. You Need to Contest a Guardianship Claim
If someone is petitioning the courts to become your guardian, you may not agree. You can petition the courts that you don't need a guardian, or you may request that a particular person does not become your guardian. In both cases, an experienced family lawyer may be essential.
Share18 October 2017
