Sioux Falls Guardianship Attorneys Helping Protect Your Loved Ones
In South Dakota, a guardianship is when a court appoints a party to have personal/medical decision-making authority for someone else. This process can serve as a vital tool for protecting the well-being of family members who cannot care for themselves. Here at Resolute Law Firm, P.C., we guide families throughout Minnehaha County through guardianship matters. Our Sioux Falls, South Dakota, guardianship attorneys can help you with finding the right solutions for safeguarding the best interests of a vulnerable loved one.
Common Reasons For Seeking A Guardianship
Families generally pursue these legal arrangements for two types of people: minor children and incapacitated adults.
South Dakota minor guardianship cases can involve a range of situations including:
- A child’s parents facing temporary illness, incarceration or military deployment
- A parent’s entrance into substance use treatment
- A child already living with grandparents
- Serious safety concerns or issues involving neglect
- Parental death or incapacity
For adults, a guardianship may be necessary due to factors like:
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Developmental disabilities
- Mental health crises
- Emergency situations
- Other circumstances that make a person unable to manage their healthcare, safety or housing
An important note is that guardianship isn’t always the right path forward. It can be very restrictive to the individuals it covers, so courts often treat it as a last resort. Our family lawyers can help you determine if seeking a guardianship is the right course of action given your family’s situation. If it is, we can guide you through every step of the process.
Decisions And Responsibilities Of A Guardian
A guardian holds significant decision-making authority. This often includes the ability to make decisions on matters related to:
- Healthcare needs
- Personal care
- Daily life
- Medical consent
- School enrollment and education
- Housing
- Support services
The exact authority and responsibilities of a guardianship depend on the specifics of the court order that creates it. Our attorneys can help you understand and fulfill your duties as a guardian. We can also assist family members who worry that a current guardian is not acting properly.
Contact Us Today For Trusted Guardianship Guidance
Get the intelligent counsel and compassionate support you need when seeking to protect a vulnerable loved one. Whether your case involves adult guardianship, guardianship for grandparents or other guardianship matters, our South Dakota legal team will focus on pursuing practical solutions to help your family find stability and peace of mind. Contact us today at 605-679-6352 or by email to discuss your case.