When someone can't decide for themselves

Guardian & Conservator.

Whether through illness, injury, or mental decline, anyone can require a guardian or conservator to care for them if they become mentally or physically incapacitated. We guide families through this complex and emotional court process — with care, and with the family at the center.

When someone can't decide for themselves

It's hard. We make it less hard.

Guardianship and conservatorship sit at the hardest intersection of law and family. Someone you love can no longer make decisions safely, and a court has to step in. The process involves filings, hearings, medical evaluations, and ongoing reports — all while the family is already in crisis.

We've walked dozens of families through this. We'll tell you upfront whether guardianship is the right answer — sometimes a less-restrictive alternative like a durable power of attorney, a supported decision-making agreement, or a representative payee will serve the family better.

When the court process is the right answer, we handle the petition, the hearings, and the annual reporting — and we keep the family informed at every step.

What we focus on

Three things we get right.

01

Less-restrictive alternatives first

Sometimes a POA, a healthcare proxy, or supported decision-making is the right answer. We'll say so out loud, even if it means a smaller engagement for us.

02

Court process, handled

Petition, notices, capacity evaluations, court hearings — we draft, file, and appear so the family doesn't have to learn the procedure on the worst week of their year.

03

Ongoing support

After appointment, the work isn't over. Annual reports, accountings, court approvals — we stay engaged as long as the family needs.

A client meeting with John at the firm.
What's included

Guardian & Conservator typically includes

Each engagement starts with a careful look at whether court intervention is needed at all. When it is, we handle the full process — and continue to support the appointed guardian or conservator for as long as they need.

What you'll receive

  • Petition for guardianship
  • Petition for conservatorship
  • Capacity evaluation coordination
  • Notice to family & interested parties
  • Court hearing representation
  • Bond & surety guidance
  • Annual reports to the court
  • Final accountings
  • Special needs trust integration
  • ABLE account setup
  • Alternatives review & counsel
  • Family communication support
Hourly
Guardianship and conservatorship matters are billed hourly, with a written estimate after the first consult. We'll always tell you when a less-restrictive alternative would serve the family better — and quote a flat fee for those instead.
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In a guardianship situation

Tell us what's happening. We'll tell you what's possible.

Book a discovery call → 571·56·TRUST571·568·7878
Free discovery call · 15 minutes · By appointment