Guardianship Attorney in Torrance
Treating All Family Members with Dignity and Respect
When an elderly or disabled loved one has trouble taking care of themselves, the situation can be exceedingly stressful on families. Relatives are often concerned for the person's safety and finances, and sometimes the person in need is opposed to receiving help. In those situations, family members may feel powerless, worried and distressed. The dedicated Torrance estate planning lawyers at the Law Offices of James C. Shields work every day to help families care for their relatives in need with dignity and respect.
Call (310) 626-4404 for a free initial consultation. Backed by nearly 20 years of experience, we serve clients throughout the South Bay, from Santa Monica to Long Beach and surrounding.
Guardianships & Conservatorships in CA
Some courts use the terms "guardian" and "conservator" are interchangeably; in other courts, a guardian is in charge of a person and a conservator is in charge of finances. In California, a guardian usually refers to a non-parent who has custody and control of a minor child. Parents' testamentary wills may name guardians, or a court of law can appoint them.
Conservators are appointed when an elderly person or adult with special needs can no longer take care of him or herself on an adequate basis. There are conservators of a person, who is in charge of the conservatee's day-to-day care and health; and conservators of an estate, which are conservators in charge of the conservatee's finances. One conservator can handle both types of conservatorships or the duties may be split between two conservators, depending on the situation.
Having a Guardian or Conservator Appointed
It can be heartbreaking for everyone when a person is in need of a conservator but opposes the appointment. In these situations, a judge must weigh the interests of the person's right to freedom and privacy against family members' contentions that their relative is in need of help. In many cases, the facts fall within a gray area and both sides have sincere and compelling arguments.
Need to set up a guardianship? The South Bay guardianship attorneys at the Law Offices of James C. Shields know that in such situations, both parties are best represented by an attorney to ensure each side is able to fully articulate their positions in court. After a thorough examination of the evidence, an impartial judge will decide what is necessary in accordance with the law.
Besides having extensive litigation experience, principal attorney Chaz Shields is frequently appointed by the courts to serve counsel to prospective guardians, conservators, wards, conservatees and other parties. He has assisted many people in such capacities.
Consult a Torrance Guardianship Lawyer Today!
Contact our office to learn more about estate planning, guardianships and conservatorships, and to find out whether such an appointment can help your family member in need maintain his or her dignity and live the best quality of life possible.
Call us now at (310) 626-4404 for your free initial consultation.
Reasons to Choose Us
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Free Consultations
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In-Office, Phone, and Video Consultations Available
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$995 Flat-Fee Bankruptcy (restrictions apply)
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We Can Help You Find Financial Freedom
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We Diligently Represent Your Interests
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Over 50 Years of Collective Experience