Guardianship is a tool that people use to protect disabled, underage, or otherwise incapacitated individuals who can no longer manage their own affairs. Navigating guardianship cases can be complicated, especially if you’re trying to do everything on your own. The good news is you don’t have to go through this process without help. A Denham Springs guardianship lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you to the right decision.
Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has nearly two decades of experience navigating guardianship cases in Louisiana. We’re confident our Denham Springs family lawyer can guide you through the necessary legal steps to become a guardian, no matter where you live in this small, historic city.
In Louisiana, the process of becoming a guardian, or curator, is called interdiction. To be successful, you must prove that an individual is truly incapacitated and unable to care for themselves. The court oversees the entire process to ensure the dependent is not put in a dangerous situation with their curator.
There are a handful of unique situations that may result in someone needing a legal guardian. Studies show that 34 percent of people living in the United States started their estate plan due to the birth of a child. That said, 77 percent of pet owners have also designated a guardian for their pets through an estate plan.
Technically, any adult in Louisiana can be a curator. However, the courts are likely to defer to a person’s spouse, adult child, or grandparent before anyone else. Approximately 10.6 percent of children in Louisiana live in a grandparent-headed household. Grandparents who take on this role often seek guidance on their rights and responsibilities.
If the courts can’t find a suitable curator who is closely related to the individual, they may look at:
Curators can take on many different roles in a person’s life depending on the type of care the interdicted person needs. The specific duties of a guardian are shaped by the court’s order and the needs of the individual. They may be permitted to make decisions regarding the person’s finances or healthcare. Furthermore, they must file an annual report about the individual’s personal and financial details.
In some cases, an individual may be assigned multiple curators for different aspects of their life. Co-curators must work together and abide by the same rules to help the dependent individual navigate their life.
A curator may need the court’s approval before making big decisions about the interdicted individual. In any case, it can be helpful to work with someone who understands Louisiana’s guardianship laws. Our firm understands the ins and outs of the process and can use our skills and knowledge to get you through your case with ease.
Navigating a guardianship case can be complicated, but working with a trusted Denham Springs family lawyer can help. We have been operating for over 15 years, and our attorneys bring decades of combined family law experience to the table. We’re committed to helping residents throughout Livingston Parish and beyond make the right choices for themselves and their families.
Moreover, we’re proud to be active members of our local Louisiana communities. We regularly work with churches and volunteer organizations to further provide assistance to residents in the area.
When you hire a guardianship lawyer from Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, you’re choosing to work with skilled attorneys who bring decades of combined experience navigating all types of complex family law cases. No matter the nature of your case, you can trust us to find a personalized solution aimed at the dependent’s best interests.
Under Louisiana’s guardianship laws, any adult is eligible to become a guardian, also known as a curator. That said, the court is likely going to try to defer to someone close to the dependent, like a spouse, adult child, or grandparent. Otherwise, they may look to close friends, family members, or other trustworthy members of the community. In some cases, a professional curator may be assigned to the individual.
You’re not legally obligated to work with a Denham Springs guardianship attorney to get through your case. That said, it can be challenging to navigate a guardianship case on your own, and the legal support can make all the difference. A Denham Springs guardianship attorney has experience navigating these types of cases and understands the potential challenges you may face when trying to become a curator.
The exact cost of hiring a guardianship lawyer in Denham Springs, Louisiana depends on the complexity of your case and the services you require to get through the interdiction process. Most family lawyers charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer for services. Regardless, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation to get an accurate estimate based on the details of your case.
There are a few factors that could disqualify you from becoming a guardian. For starters, you cannot be a minor yourself. You also cannot have a recent criminal record with offenses related to dishonesty, neglect, or violence. Most adults who are either trained professionals or have a direct tie with the individual can be eligible to be a curator in Louisiana.
If you’re considering becoming a guardian in Denham Springs, it’s wise to reach out to a local family attorney to discuss your options and determine the right path forward. Whether you’re seeking guardianship over a child, a person with a disability, or even a pet, it can be beneficial to have solid legal representation on your side.
You can count on our team at Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC to help you through the process. Contact the office to set up a consultation with a trusted member of our team to discuss your case in more detail today.