Schaumburg Lawyer Protecting the Rights of Disabled Adults
Most people, at some point in their lives, will need to depend on another for help. For some, age, disability, or mental incapacity may significantly increase the need for such assistance. If you know of a family member or friend who is struggling to manage their affairs, a guardianship could allow you to offer the help that person requires. Brian M. Krause is equipped to help you seek guardianship of a disabled or elderly adult while protecting his or her best interests.
Disabled Adult Guardianships
There are many ways in which a person could reach the point that managing their own affairs is no longer possible. In some cases, a tragic event such as an accident could suddenly leave an individual with diminished mental faculties. In other cases, conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can gradually worsen over time. Whatever the cause, a disability or mental incapacity can make it nearly impossible for a person to maintain control of his or her life. Guardianship of an adult is only allowed in Illinois when a court has determined the person in question is, in fact, disabled and in need of assistance.
Guardianships of adults are divided into two primary areas of responsibility: the person and the estate. An individual who is appointed guardian may be responsible for one, the other, or both, depending on the circumstances of each case. A "guardian of the person" is tasked with protecting the physical, mental, and emotional health of the disabled adult. This often means making health care and medical decisions and helping with applications for Social Security or other aid programs. A "guardian of the estate" is responsible for helping the disabled adult with his or her finances and property considerations.
Estate Planning and Guardianships
The amount of responsibility given to a guardian usually depends on the disabled person's level of disability or incapacitation. In some cases, the disabled person may not be able to completely manage their own affairs but may still have goals and ideas regarding their future and their estate. Our team can help guardians and their loved ones with the creation of estate plans, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other tools that offer long-term protection and security.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you are interested in pursuing guardianship of a disabled loved one who is in need of assistance, contact the office of Brian M. Krause today. Call 815-744-6550 for a free, confidential consultation. Our firm helps individuals and families in Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Streamwood, Rolling Meadows, and throughout Northern Illinois.