Conservatorships & Guardianships

San Francisco, CA Legal Guardianships Attorney

The need for a guardianship or conservatorship often comes in a moment of crisis. Whether a parent of a minor child has died, an individual has become mentally incompetent due to Alzheimer's disease or dementia, or an individual has otherwise become incapable of managing personal affair and health care needs, Hardin Law Offices has the experience and compassion to help.

Conservatorships

Effective estate planning often involves appointing a loved one to manage your financial affairs should you become incapacitated. This is completed through a durable power of attorney. We encourage individuals to execute durable powers of attorney because if an individual becomes mentally ill or otherwise becomes incapable of managing financial decisions, the probate court must intervene and appoint a conservator.

The court will administer a hearing to determine the health and capacity of the vulnerable adult. At Hardin Law Offices, we petition for legal conservatorships on behalf of potential conservators and we challenge conservatorship petitions on behalf of proposed conservatees. If granted, the conservator will have court-appointed authority to manage the financial affairs and other important decisions.

Guardianships

In a guardianship, the court appoints a guardian to make decisions about the personal care of a minor, such as where the child will live and what kind of care the child will receive. Guardianships are used when a child’s parents die or become unable to care for the child. While no one wants to contemplate these types of events, we encourage parents to plan ahead for the security of their children. At Hardin Law Offices, we have comprehensive knowledge of guardianship laws. We provide straightforward, informative advice and legal counsel to help you address guardianship needs.

• Legal guardianships for minor children: It is distressing to ever consider that anyone else could raise your children—upholding your values and legacy when you are no longer here. However, in the event that tragedy strikes your family, it is important to have named a legal guardian for your minor children in a will or other estate planning instrument. Otherwise, the court will be forced to decide who will take care of your minor children, and the court’s decision may not adequately reflect your wishes.

An Experienced California Lawyer You Can Trust

We understand how intensely personal and sensitive these issues can be. We work to help you and your family through the court process efficiently so that life can move forward and your loved one is protected. Contact our San Francisco law firm to speak with Attorney Shannon L. Hardin.