Blog & Resources

From Our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: “My mother in Philadelphia has Alzheimer’s and it has progressed so that she can no longer recognize us at times, and she is not paying any of her bills. She refused to get a power of attorney in the past. I now need to […]

From Our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: “My mother’s dementia has gotten so bad she no longer knows who we are. Do I need a Guardianship? How do I get a Guardinaship in PA?” What is Guardianship in PA? The law surrounding Guardianships is designed to protect the well-being and rights […]

  From Our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: “I have two minor children.  It is strange to think about, but if my wife and I die, they will be orphans.  What Happens to My Kids If I Drop Dead Tomorrow?” Guardianship. A Guardian is a person with the legal authority and […]

Guardianship in Montgomery County, PA From Our “Ask a Question,” Mailbag: “My son lives in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is an adult who has Down Syndrome, and needs a guardian; how does Guardianship in Montgomery County, PA work?”. How Does Guardianship in Montgomery County, PA Work? Do you have a loved one […]

Guardianship in Philadelphia From Our “Ask a Question,” Mailbag: “My son lives in Philadelphia, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and needs a guardian; how does Guardianship in Philadelphia work?” How Does Guardianship in Philadelphia Work? Do you have a loved one who cannot make decisions because of a mental condition? Guardianship is […]

  From Our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: “Please give me Examples of How to Become a Legal Guardian.” Examples of How to Become a Legal Guardian: Becoming someone’s legal guardian is a serious step. Becoming a guardian means that a judge must determine that the person is incapacitated. The process […]

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 son does not get along with his stepfather and wants to move to another state to live with relatives. He won’t turn 18 for another year. How do I manage medical decisions for him if he is in another state?

For non-emergency medical care, there is likely no problem as you can communicate with his local doctor and give authorization for examinations or minor care. Work with his doctor and give their office the authorization that they request.

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.