Caring for a Loved One in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, guardianship is the process of obtaining the legal authority to handle personal matters for another person. Conservatorship is the process of obtaining authority to make financial decisions for that person. While one person may serve as both guardian and conservator, the roles can be served by different people as well.
At the Gemma Law Office in Braintree, Massachusetts, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss guardianships and conservatorships. Attorney Anthony Gemma provides comprehensive elder law and estate planning services to families in the South Shore area of Massachusetts.
When Is a Guardianship or Conservatorship Necessary?
There are several reasons why you may need to initiate guardianship or conservatorship proceedings:
- To care for an elderly person
- To protect an elderly person from financial predators
- To care for and make financial decisions for an adult disabled child
- To make financial decisions for a person who is incapacitated
- To hold assets such as a personal injury settlement for an incapacitated person
There are ways to minimize the risk of needing to apply for a guardianship and conservatorship. For example, a power of attorney enables you to make decisions for another person. Trusts also contain provisions for managing assets when the trustee is incapacitated. However, if a loved one becomes incapacitated without having these estate planning documents in place, you may need to file a guardianship and/or conservatorship petition to obtain the legal authority to make important decisions on that person's behalf.
Attorney Anthony Gemma and our office staff approach the guardianship and conservatorship process with a goal of preserving as much dignity and respect as possible for the person who is incapacitated.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lawyer
Contact us by telephone or e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation with attorney Anthony Gemma. Our Braintree office is easily accessible from Boston, as well as MetroWest and South Shore communities, and has free parking and disability access.
