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What is a guardianship?

On Behalf of | Jun 29, 2017 | Estate Planning And Administration

While it is important to create a will, there are many other aspects of an estate plan in Pennsylvania that also need to be completed. One of those is establishing a guardianship. There are several alternatives to this legal process, but guardianships, or conservatorships, have unique benefits that may fit your needs.

 

According to Guardianship.org, the person you name as your guardian needs to be someone you trust to make important decisions for you. This includes the types of treatment you may need, where you will live and other choices that might need to be made as you near the end of your life. The guardianship will only be enacted if you are no longer able to make sound decisions or communicate those choices to others.

 

While many guardianships are enacted shortly before death, there are also instances in which you may become incapable earlier in life and require assistance. The person you have selected as your guardian will be able to make several important choices for you, including decisions about buying, selling or managing property, applying for and obtaining a driver’s license, possessing weapons or firearms, and voting. Your guardian can also file lawsuits or sign contracts in your behalf and can even give your consent to enter into a marriage.

 

A guardianship can provide protection in the event that your reasoning or communication abilities become compromised. It can prevent you from becoming susceptible to damaging influences or fraud. This information is intended for your education and should not be taken as legal or medical advice.