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From Our “Ask a Question” mailbag: How do I petition for guardianship of my brother? “My mother has taken care of my severely autistic little brother his whole life in Philadelphia. She can no longer do so and wants me to take on the responsibility. How do I become my brother’s legally recognized Guardian?”

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: My sister suffers from mental illness, and is currently so depressed she cannot get out of bed. She is a smart woman and has a house and plenty of savings. Our brother is a parasite, and has filed a petition to have her declared incapacitated so he can be put in charge of her money. I am sure he will steal her money if he is given the chance. What can I do?

The Guardianship process in Pennsylvania gives all interested parties the chance to bring to the court’s attention concerns about the incapacitated person and the security of their assets. You, as an interested person, have the right to retain an attorney who is experienced in Guardianship hearings to bring your concerns to the court’s attention.

It was not long ago when the definition of a family, and to whom a court would allow visitation to minor children, was simple; biological mother and biological father. Then times changed.

If you are reading this article, it is possible that by the time your issue appears before a magistrate or judge the rules in your county will have changed from what they are today. The rules, like the definition of family, are changing.

Reading the facts and the decision in Arrington v. Thrash , from the Mississippi Court of Appeals allow you to see the law change before your eyes. The court ruled that the facts and circumstances in that case justified an award of grandparent visitation comparable to that which would have been given to a noncustodial parent. The court reasoned that this decision was in the best interest of the minor child.