Family members often monitor guardianship proceedings from a distance. They receive occasional updates about their loved one’s care. They might attend a hearing or two. They review court filings when they arrive in the mail. But they don’t formally oppose every motion or challenge every decision the guardian makes. Many assume they can always step...KEEP READING

Adult children sometimes find themselves caught between respecting their elderly parent’s romantic relationship and protecting the parent from financial exploitation. The parent might be dating someone new who suddenly appears to control all financial decisions. Large sums of money disappear from accounts that sat stable for decades. The parent makes uncharacteristic purchases or loans significant...KEEP READING

Wards who are in guardianships often receive social security benefits. These monthly payments are an important source of income that helps pay for the ward’s care, medical expenses, and daily needs. Questions arise about who should receive these benefits, who controls how they’re spent, and who must account for them to the court when there...KEEP READING

Family members sometimes create trusts for elderly parents as part of estate planning or to protect assets. An adult child acting under a durable power of attorney transfers the parent’s home, bank accounts, and personal property into a trust. The child names an attorney as trustee. Other family members become concerned. They question whether the...KEEP READING