Bakersfield Guardianship and Conservatorship Lawyer
When a person cannot manage their financial or personal affairs, California law allows for the appointment of a guardian or conservator. In these situations, known as guardianships or conservatorships, the court appoints someone to make important decisions and manage the affairs of people unable to do it themselves.
There are also such things known as limited conservatorships. These are used for the protection of developmentally disabled adults. The difference between traditional conservatorships and limited ones is that the conservator in a limited conservatorship is required to help the individual reach their highest potential, performing as many daily tasks as possible, and living a life that is as close to normal as possible. Attorney Harris is a Regional Center vendor, and through that organization she assists low-income developmentally-disabled children and adults with their legal needs.
The firm of Barbara McDaniel Harris, Attorney at Law, has extensive experience in all aspects of guardianships and conservatorships. We can evaluate your situation, help you determine if a guardianship or conservatorship, or a limited guardianship or limited conservatorship is a good solution, walk you through the legal process of getting the guardianship or conservatorship established and advise you as to your duties as a guardian or conservator.
To schedule your consultation with Bakersfield attorney Barbara McDaniel Harris, call us at (661) 859-1826 or contact us online.
Guardianships
When the person at issue (also known as the “ward”) is under 18, a legal guardianship can be established in which an older person (usually a relative or family friend) manages the child's financial affairs and makes important decisions regarding such things as living arrangements, education and health care.
There are two types of guardianships:
- "For the person" — meaning that the guardian can make important decisions for the ward regarding living arrangements, education, health care and other matters.
- "For the estate" — meaning that the guardian makes decisions regarding the financial affairs of the ward, but not the other, more personal, decisions.
Both powers can be vested in one person or different persons. The guardian becomes legal voice of the minor, and can speak and act for the minor until such time when the ward turns 18.
Conservatorships
A conservatorship is similar in both purpose and operation to a guardianship in that it can be "for the person", "for the estate" or both. Conservatorships are commonly established for adults who can no longer care for their own needs, but can be established for minors as well. Our family law attorney, Barbara McDaniel Harris, will advise you about setting up a conservatorship, prepare all required reports and help you comply with your duties as conservator.
In addition to helping you establish a conservatorship to care for a minor or vulnerable adult, our firm can also help you set up a special needs trust to provide funds for specific needs without affecting eligibility for public benefits.
For a consultation with Barbara McDaniel Harris, Attorney at Law, call our Bakersfield law office at (661) 859-1826 or contact us online. We proudly serve clients throughout Southern California.
