While educating yourself on estate law in Colorado to help your aging parents with estate planning, you learn about conservatorship and guardianship. Do you understand how the two relate to estate planning and administration? The Motley Fool breaks down the financial-...
Guardianships & Conservatorships
What should you look for when choosing a guardian?
Even if you do not have much in the way of valuable assets, an estate plan is essential if you are a parent. You should choose a guardian to take care of your children in case you should die before they come of age. Obviously, you must choose a guardian who loves the...
How does a guardianship differ from a conservatorship?
If you have a parent or other relative that needs assistance managing his or her affairs, you may need to get legal authorization to assist in place. This may involve being appointed to act as a guardian. In some cases, a court may even appoint a conservator. A...
What are the duties of a guardian?
If a Colorado court appoints you as a guardian, it grants you the legal authority to make decisions about the health and welfare of another person, i.e., your ward. Your ward may be either a minor child or an adult who lacks the capacity to make decisions on his or...
How can I become my parent’s guardian?
As your parent ages, you may notice that he or she can no longer properly care for him or herself. At this point, you may want to seek guardianship from the court to gain the legal right to make decisions for your parent and have some control to protect him or her. ...
How do you become a guardian of a minor?
When learning about guardianship, it may appear overwhelming at first. Either as someone seeking to be a responsible guardian or as a parent seeking a guardian to act in their place, you want what is best for your child. The process of becoming a legal guardian is...
What are some helpful tips for being a guardian?
If the court names you the guardian of another person, whether an adult or child, it is a huge responsibility. You become the person who must take care of that person’s best interests. You must look out for him or her and do everything possible to ensure he or she has...
Can I become a guardian for an adult?
There are many situations in which an adult may become unable to manage his or her own affairs. In some cases, it occurs due to aging, such as when your parents get older and start showing signs of dementia. Other times, it may occur due to some other condition, such...
Can I become my parent’s guardian?
There often comes a time in life when you start to become the caretaker for your parents. This is a considerable change since up to this point your parents have been your caretaker. However, physical and mental health issues may warrant you taking over as a guardian...
How conservatorship and guardianship differ
When a loved one is not able to make decisions regarding certain matters, it often falls to a family member like you to step up and take responsibility. Both conservatorships and guardianships involve taking a protective role over another's affairs. Either or both can...