Guardianships & Conservatorships

Northern Ohio Guardianship and Conservatorship Lawyer

There are times when children need someone other than their parents to look after their best interests. Likewise, sometimes grownups need someone they can look to for decisions that will safeguard their interests.

At our Cleveland offices of Aggers Joseph Co., LPA., we have helped Cuyahoga County and Ohio families set up guardianships and conservatorships for the past 15 years, so that vulnerable people of all age ranges can have access to the protection they need and deserve.

What Is a Guardianship?

Guardianship is defined as the appointment by a probate court of an individual, also known as the guardian, to make decisions on behalf of another, referred to as the ward, who is unable to make such decisions because they are either incompetent or are a minor child. Someone may be designated guardian of the person to manage personal affairs and health care, or guardian of the estate to manage the finances, or as guardian of both the person and estate. Usually the guardian is a family member or attorney. Kathryn Joseph regularly serves as a guardian for individuals in the greater Cleveland area.

The probate court acts as the ultimate guardian and oversees the guardian's actions to assure that the ward's best interests are being served.

When parents are unable or unwilling to care for minor children, others often have to step into the breach: grandparents, aunts, or uncles, for instance. The legal guardianship attorneys at Aggers Joseph Co., LPA can make sure that these kinds of relationships are recognized under the law.

What Is a Conservatorship?

Conservatorship consists of the appointment by a probate court of an individual, known as the conservator, to act on behalf of another adult who is competent but physically infirm, otherwise known as the conservatee. The person who is physically infirm must consent to the appointment of the conservator and will determine what responsibilities the conservator will have. Kathryn Joseph regularly serves as the conservator for individuals in the greater Cleveland area.

The court will then oversee the conservator's actions, in accordance with probate law, to ensure that the conservatee's best interests are being served.

Our Personal Interest in You

Our guardian and conservatorship lawyer Kathryn Joseph can petition a court and guide our clients through the process, which can include hearings on evidence to determine the capacity of the vulnerable adult in question.

The Aggers Joseph Co., LPA law office takes a personal interest in each client. Our profound sympathy for your unique legal and human situation is one of the many positives that sets our firm apart from larger, more impersonal practices. We insist on consistently keeping you informed about the sometimes imposing and confusing legal process, while answering all of your questions at every juncture of your case.

Our Aggers Joseph Co., LPA Contact Information

Our offices in Cleveland are available to you around the clock, around the calendar by phone, fax, and by e-mail. We return after-hours calls promptly and encourage you to contact us to set your initial consultation. We want to hear about your legal situation in the business law, real estate law, or estate planning areas. We have been assisting Ohioans in these matters for the past 15 years.