In Callahan, Guardianship Lawyers often have clients who have parents who have been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's. It can be a struggle to do what you feel is best for your parent and when they are often argumentative and irritable. Growing old is not easy for anyone, especially the kids. Often times an adult child will need to step in and take over the financial and health care needs of their parents.
In some cases, the aging parent will voluntarily sign a Florida Power of Attorney (NOTE: the law changed 10/1/2011 and documents drafted prior to that date may not be valid if signed after 10/1/2011) or Designation of Health Care Surrogate. Another option is a Voluntary Guardianship for a parent who voluntarily elects a guardian to handle financial matters. Elder individuals suffering from dementia and other infirmities are often influenced by those not acting in their best interest. Therefore, speaking with a Jacksonville Guardianship Attorney may be helpful in learning your options.
A Guardianship proceeding in Callahan is a dual process and takes place in the Nassau County Court. It involves petitioning the Nassau court to appoint a certain individual to be appointed as guardian. At the same time a petition is filed to determine that an individual is incapacitated and cannot make decisions in their own best interest.
There are certain criteria that must be met to be appointed guardian of the person and property of another. If there are conflicting opinions about the best interest of an elderly parent or relative, please discuss your situation with a Jacksonville Guardianship Lawyer who handles Callahan Guardianship cases.
Likewise it is important to learn about the manner in which a court goes about determining that an individual is mentally incompetent to manage their own health and business affairs.
Although there are alternatives to Guardianship in Florida, many such methods may be temporary at best. To ensure your elderly parent will be protected from the wrong decisions, contact a Jacksonville Estate Planning Lawyer who also deals with Florida Guardianship and Jacksonville Medicaid Planning to learn what choices you have.
