Guardian Not Permitted To Maintain Divorce Proceeding
SEPTEMBER 29, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 13 The guardian of an incapacitated adult is often said to have all the powers that a parent would have over an unemancipated minor child. That legalism, however, fails to give much guidance about any limitations on the guardian’s power. For example: can a guardian pursue a divorce proceeding […]
Judge Hearing Conservatorship Matters Is “Ultimate” Authority
AUGUST 4, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 5 After incurring the emotional and financial cost of securing a guardianship and conservatorship, family members usually believe that they have been given authority to make all personal and financial decisions for their incapacitated loved one. Though nearly true, that is not quite the case—as Randy Bardwell found out, […]
Massachusetts High Court Limits Wards’ Right to Counsel
JULY 28, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 4 Is one who has been determined legally incapacitated and in need of a guardian able to revisit the court’s determination or challenge her guardian’s actions? Yes, wards may request the restoration of capacity and/or challenge the fitness of the guardian. In at least one state, however, wards are […]
Probate Court May Bypass Ward’s Choice Of Conservator
MAY 19, 2003 VOLUME 10, NUMBER 46 When a person is no longer able to manage his or her own affairs, it may be necessary for a court to appoint a guardian (of the person) or conservator (of the estate). Who should be appointed? In most states the courts start from the presumption that family […]
New York Lawyer Disbarred For Financially Exploiting Seniors
MAY 12, 2003 VOLUME 10, NUMBER 45 Financial exploitation of vulnerable seniors is hardly a new problem, but both the frequency and the severity of abuse have increased dramatically in recent years. Many seniors (or their concerned friends and family members) turn to the legal system for help and protection. Sometimes protectors become abusers themselves. […]
Court Denies Guardianship Petition Based on Power of Attorney
JULY 29, 2002 VOLUME 10, NUMBER 4 Family members and caretakers are often confused by the difference between powers of attorney and guardianship. The difference is straightforward: powers of attorney can be signed by competent adults giving authority to someone else to act—including, but not necessarily limited, to those times when the signer may later […]
Medicaid Eligibility Lost After Recipient Moves From District
JULY 15, 2002 VOLUME 10, NUMBER 2 Although many of the legal problems facing the elderly and the disabled are addressed through state laws, the underlying problems are regional, national or even universal. Though the national medical program for the elderly and disabled, Medicaid, is partially funded and broad guidelines set by the federal government, […]
Guardian Of Estate Does Not Have Power To Revoke Trust
MAY 21, 2001 VOLUME 8, NUMBER 47 Ruth Chandler was 73 when she established her revocable trust in 1997. The New Jersey woman had no family, and so she named Summit Bank as trustee. She transferred about $1.7 million into the name of the trust. Three months later she revoked that trust and established a […]
Lawyer For Proposed Ward Must Advocate Client’s Wishes
JULY 3, 2000 VOLUME 8, NUMBER 1 At age 61 Sonny Lee is living at the College View Nursing Home in Frederick, Maryland. A little over two years ago Mr. Lee, a lifelong alcoholic, passed out in a public park, was hospitalized and ultimately placed in the nursing home. In recent months his condition has […]
Appellate Court Ruling May Allow Feeding Tube Removal
MARCH 6, 2000 VOLUME 7, NUMBER 36 Just over eighteen months ago Elder Law Issues reported on the tragic story of Robert Wendland (“Lack of Advance Directives Contributes to Family Tragedy,” August 10, 1998). Last week the California Court of Appeals added a new chapter to the Wendland story, and may have completely changed the […]
