A guardian is a person who has care, custody, or control over a minor or incapacitated person, qualified by either court appointment or parental/spousal nominations. Once appointed, a guardian has the ability to make care, living, and medical decisions on behalf of the protected individual.

The appointment of a conservator involves delegating power to someone to manage financial affairs and other property of a protected individual’s life. A conservator can be an individual, a corporation, or a professional conservator. This often includes the preparation of an annual accounting.

Individuals with long lasting or developmental disabilities require special procedures to ensure their rights are protected. An individual with a developmental disability may need a guardian of the person to make daily living decisions, or a plenary guardian of their estate to manage property and finances.

Probate may be required to administer a loved one’s assets after they have passed. In addition to filing legal documents and complying with the will, the executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate. Probate estate administration often involves locating assets, communicating with heirs, and dealing with creditor claims.

Trust administration is the process of a trustee’s management of trust assets and property based on the plain terms of the trust agreement. Trustees have many important roles and legal requirements to adhere to. Our office represents trustees and beneficiaries through various complex legal matters regarding trust administration.

Probate disputes between interested parties can arise regarding the validity of a governing document, appointment of the executor, or the distribution of assets. It can be a complex and contentious process that requires court intervention to resolve the dispute between the parties and ensure your rights are protected.