Guardianship & Conservatorship
Your Family is Our Priority
Columbia, MD & DC Guardianship & Conservatorship Lawyers
Guardianship and conservatorship are vital legal tools that protect individuals who cannot make decisions for themselves due to age, incapacity, or other reasons. These are our most vulnerable citizens, whether minors who have lost their parents or adults with disabling mental or physical conditions.
Law Offices of Thomas Stahl provide comprehensive guidance and support for individuals navigating these complex issues. Whether you need to seek or contest either of these legal instruments on behalf of another, we offer experienced and skilled legal help. With 30 years of combined experience, our capable team has become a trusted legal resource for clients in Maryland and DC.
Discuss your needs and concerns with a Columbia, MD & DC guardianship and conservatorship attorney at Law Offices of Thomas Stahl. Email us via our online contact form or call (443) 331-2770 to schedule a consultation.
DC & Maryland Minor Guardianships: Advocating for Children’s Well-Being
When a child’s parents cannot provide proper care, guardianship can offer a safe and stable environment. At Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, our compassionate attorneys have years of experience navigating the complexities of minor guardianship proceedings in DC and Maryland. We prioritize the child’s best interests and work vigorously to protect their well-being.
Guardianship grants an adult legal authority to make decisions regarding a child’s daily life, including healthcare, education, and upbringing. It differs from child custody in that it can be temporary and does not necessarily terminate parental rights.
Types of Minor Guardianship
The court can authorize different types of guardianships:
Guardian of the person: Responsible for the child’s personal care and well-being.
Guardian of the property: Manages the child’s financial affairs and assets.
Guardian of both the person and property: Handles both personal and financial matters for the child.
Contested Guardianship Proceedings
Parents or other relatives may contest guardianship petitions. Our attorneys will represent your interests in court, presenting evidence and advocating for the child’s best possible placement.
Why You Should Hire a Guardianship Attorney
Navigating guardianship proceedings without legal representation can be risky. Our attorneys provide invaluable assistance by:
Explaining the legal process and your responsibilities as a guardian
Preparing and filing all necessary court documents
Representing your interests in court and negotiations
Protecting the child’s rights and well-being
DC & Maryland Adult Guardianships
When a loved one becomes incapacitated and can no longer manage their own affairs, guardianship may be necessary to protect their well-being. At Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, our experienced guardianship attorneys understand the challenges families face and provide compassionate legal guidance throughout the process.
Adult guardianship is a court process where an individual is appointed to make decisions on behalf of someone who is mentally or physically incapacitated.
This legal arrangement is typically pursued when:
No other alternatives, like a Power of Attorney, are in place
A qualified professional has determined that the individual cannot make responsible decisions regarding personal care, finances, or healthcare.
Types of Adult Guardianship in Columbia & DC
Similar to minor guardianships, those for adults include:
Guardian of the person: Responsible for decisions related to the individual’s daily living needs, including housing, healthcare, and social interactions.
Guardian of the property: Manages the individual’s financial affairs, including property management, bill payments, and asset protection.
Guardian of both the person and property: Handles both personal and financial matters for the incapacitated individual.
How Do DC & Maryland Courts Make Guardianship Decisions?
The court carefully evaluates evidence, including medical assessments, to determine if an individual cannot make decisions. Two medical professionals must typically provide certifications attesting to the individual’s disability. Our attorneys can guide you through the evidence-gathering process and advocate for your loved one’s best interests.
Filing for adult guardianships in DC involves a complex legal procedure that Law Offices of Thomas Stahl can help you navigate for optimum results.
Guardianship vs. Conservatorship in Maryland
Maryland recognizes both adult guardianships and conservatorships, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Here's how they differ:
Maryland Guardianship
In Maryland, guardianship typically refers to the legal responsibility for an incapacitated adult's personal and medical decisions. The guardian makes decisions about the individual's healthcare, living arrangements, and overall well-being.
Maryland Conservatorship
While Maryland law doesn't specifically use the term "conservatorship," it does have a "guardian of the property," which serves a similar function. This role involves managing the financial affairs and property of an incapacitated person. The guardian of the property handles tasks like paying bills, managing investments, and safeguarding assets.
The primary difference lies in the scope of responsibilities: guardianship focuses on personal and medical decisions, while conservatorship (or guardianship of the property) deals with financial management.
Guardianship vs. Conservatorship in Washington, DC
DC recognizes both adult guardianships and conservatorships, and they serve distinct purposes:
DC Guardianship
DC guardianship involves the appointment of a guardian to make personal and healthcare decisions for an adult who cannot do so due to incapacity. This includes decisions about medical care, living arrangements, and other personal matters.
DC Conservatorship
On the other hand, a conservatorship involves the appointment of a conservator to manage an incapacitated adult's financial affairs and property. The conservator manages income, pays bills, and protects the individual's financial interests.
The critical difference between the two lies in their focus: guardianship concerns personal and healthcare decisions, while conservatorship deals with financial management and property. In some cases, the same person may be appointed to both roles, but they can also be held by different individuals depending on the incapacitated person's needs and circumstances.
Proactive Legal Planning for Major Life Changes
We encourage proactive legal planning during major life changes to ensure your family's rights are protected.
Trustworthy Advocacy
We are committed to doing things the right way, without shortcuts. Our meticulous approach earns the trust of both our clients and the courts, ensuring that your case is presented with precision and integrity.
Compassionate Family Law Representation
We provide compassionate legal advocacy for families and couples, guiding you through life's toughest transitions with care and expertise.
Here for You Every Step of the Way
We stand by your side throughout the entire legal process, providing trusted support from start to finish.
Law Offices of Thomas Stahl: Guiding You Through Guardianships & Conservatorships
Establishing a conservatorship or guardianship involves a formal legal process initiated through a court petition. Our firm is equipped to guide you through each step, from filing the petition to navigating court proceedings and fulfilling ongoing obligations.
We collaborate with financial experts, health professionals, and family members to ensure these court appointments meet the protected person's needs while safeguarding their assets.
We understand the emotional and legal complexities involved and work diligently to secure the best outcomes for our clients. Let us help you create a safe and supportive environment for a vulnerable minor or adult.
Call (443) 331-2770 or contact us online to consult a Columbia, MD & DC guardianship and conservatorship attorney.
Tom is a fierce, compassionate advocate for his clients with a tremendous amount of experience. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone looking for a divorce/family attorney.
Andrew A.
“I would highly recommend Tom for your divorce family case.”
“Tom always made me feel protected and assuring that things would be ok even when it felt things were at the bottom for me. I have Tom to thank for bringing justice to my custody battle.”
David S.
“I have no doubt I am in good hands.”
“Nothing but five stars to express my gratitude for the assistance this group of lawyers had been providing me for the past two years. The staff has a strong sense of legal experience. Always professional and clearly experts at their craft.”
