Attorney in Brunswick and Wadsworth for Guardianships

When someone in your life is struggling to manage his or her own affairs due to age, disability, illness, mental incapacity, or any other reason, a guardian may be appointed to provide the help that the person needs. At Erb Legal LLC, we are equipped to help you with all aspects of pursuing guardianship of an adult or a minor child.

Understanding Ohio Law Regarding Guardianships

According to Ohio Law, each county’s probate court is responsible for appointing guardianship for minors and incompetent adults. While there are many circumstances in which seeking guardianship may be appropriate, a guardianship can be obtained in the best interests of:

  • Incompetent adults: A person who is not able to care for their own basic needs, finances, or medical issues may require a guardian. Such needs could be the result of health concerns, substance abuse, brain injury, age, mental illness, or developmental disabilities. Whether the disabled adult is your child, another family member, or a friend, you may wish to be named their guardian so that you can help them make important decisions.
  • Minor children: There are several situations in which a minor child could require a guardian to be appointed. A guardianship may be necessary for a child whose parents are deceased or no longer present in the child’s life, a child who has been abused or neglected, or a child who has received a large sum of money in a legal settlement, insurance payout, or an inheritance.

At Erb Legal LLC, we realize that becoming a guardian is a major undertaking and one that should not be taken lightly. When you are appointed as a guardian, you are responsible for assisting the person in need—called a “ward”—to make the best possible decisions regarding his or her life. It is your duty to protect and guide them while helping to maintain their dignity and their independence.

Helping Guardians in Wayne County and Summit County

There are two types of guardianships available under Ohio law: guardianship of the person and guardianship of the estate. Technically, there is also a third type, but it is essentially a combination of the first two types granted to a single guardian. A guardian of the person is responsible for the ward’s physical and personal well-being. This includes making decisions about where the ward will live, medical care, and education for a minor ward. A guardian of the estate is responsible for the financial well-being of the ward. His or her duties may include paying bills, making necessary purchases, and estate planning.

At Erb Legal LLC, our attorneys recognize that making monetary and personal decisions for someone else can be difficult. The state of Ohio requires those who are appointed guardians to participate in training and ongoing education programs. Ohio law also specifies that the probate court is the superior guardian of wards placed in guardianship and is responsible for ensuring that appointed guardians carry out their duties properly.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you wish to be named the guardian of a person in need or have been granted guardianship and have questions, contact our office. Call (330) 446-3606 to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. Our firm serves clients in Medina, Wooster, Akron, Brunswick, Wadsworth, Rittman, Summit County, Wayne County, and Medina County.