Guardianship Or Conservatorship — Which Should I Choose?

If you are concerned that someone you love is or may become mentally or physically incapacitated, a guardianship (over the body) or conservatorship (over assets) can ensure both physical safety and peace of mind.

Since 1976, Lewis Law Office, P.C., in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, has helped clients in Kansas City area communities plan for the unknown. For more information on how our Lee’s Summit guardianships attorney can assist you, contact us at 816-875-4516 or 877-549-3511.

What Are The Differences?

While many people think of a “guardian” as someone who cares for a child, the word also has a broader legal meaning: It is an appointed person who is responsible for the well-being of another person, including making health care decisions.

A guardianship is a specific legal designation that describes an entity or person appointed by a court to be responsible for the physical and financial care of a person who is incapacitated, either due to minority status (under age 18) or because they are unable to care for themselves, often due to advanced age or physical or mental disability. Normally the court will appoint whomever you nominate, unless there is a good reason not to do so. The court will always do what it thinks is in the best interest of the child or protectee.

Depending on circumstances, the duties of a guardian or conservator on behalf of a ward can include:

• Paying essential bills
• Filing income tax returns
• Providing living arrangements (housing, nursing home care, assisted living, etc.)
• Ensuring appropriate comfort, education and health care
• Determining the status of the ward’s personal property and real estate
• Providing an accurate accounting of payments made using the ward’s assets

A conservatorship is similar to a guardianship, with one crucial difference — it involves only financial matters. A conservator, then, is a person who administrates the assets of the conservatorship, usually for the benefit of an incapacitated person.

Conservatorships Attorney — Advance Preparation For Incapacity

At Lewis Law Office, P.C., we have decades of experience working with clients and their families to establish both guardianships and conservatorships. We always advise our prospective clients to begin planning early for life’s challenges. Our experienced conservatorship and guardianship lawyer can help you establish a guardianship or conservatorship for you, your spouse or your children.

For a consultation with an attorney, call us today at 816-875-4516 or 877-549-3511. We think you’ll be impressed by our honesty, family values and commitment to client satisfaction.

Avoid Probate • Maximize Tax Protection • Preserve Family Harmony