Guardianship and Conservatorships
In Virginia, a guardian is a person appointed by a judge after a formal court proceeding who is charged with making all the personal, non-financial decisions for an incapacitated individual. Similarly, a conservator is a person appointed by a judge after a formal court proceeding who is charged with taking control of and managing the finances for an incapacitated individual. The gravity of these proceedings and the particular family dynamics involved can make guardianship and conservatorship proceedings difficult and emotionally draining. Nonetheless, there are circumstances which make this the appropriate course of action.
Our attorneys are skilled and zealous advocates in the courtroom, and also sensitive and compassionate counselors committed to working through the myriad problems that arise during guardianship and conservator proceedings. We represent clients seeking guardianship and conservatorship of relatives who can no longer manage their personal or financial affairs, and assist family members in fulfilling the duties imposed by these new roles. If no family member is willing or appropriate to fill this role our attorneys may, under certain circumstances, serve as guardian or conservator on a temporary or permanent basis. Our attorneys are also certified as guardians ad litem, to evaluate guardianship petitions and provide recommendations to the courts with respect to the need for the petition and the appropriateness of the proposed guardian and/or conservator.
