Las Vegas Guardianship Lawyers

Experienced Guardianship Attorneys in Las Vegas, NV

When a person is no longer able to manage their financial and healthcare, establishing a guardianship may be necessary for their protection. At Solomon Dwiggins Freer & Steadman, LTD., in Las Vegas, our skilled Guardianship Lawyers are here to assist you through this process, whether it’s needed due to age, incapacity, or other circumstances.

Establishing a Las Vegas Guardianship

A guardianship can be requested for adults or minors depending on the circumstances. Additionally, a guardianship of the person can be established to assist and facilitate healthcare or other personal decision-making, and a guardianship of the estate can be established to facilitate financial or legal decision-making. The type of guardianship required will depend on the needs of the Protected Person. Nevada courts conduct proceedings for guardianships in which interested family members are invited to attend to ensure that all points of view are heard. Our team at Solomon Dwiggins Freer & Steadman, LTD. has extensive experience in establishing, managing, and concluding guardianships.

Defending Against the Appointment of a Guardian

If a family member or other person has filed for guardianship over you or a loved one, our attorneys are experienced in defending against the wrongful appointment of a guardian and in establishing competency. Our team of attorneys have extensive experience in litigating complex and highly disputed guardianship proceedings, and in seeking timely and cost-effective solutions.

Alternatives to Guardianship

Often our clients have been referred by another attorney, professional, or family member to consult for guardianship, however, guardianship is not always the only solution. Our attorneys are experienced and trained to evaluate, discuss, and implement alternatives to Guardianship when appropriate, including reassessing competency of the individual. If you are dissatisfied with a recommendation for Guardianship, please contact our team right away to evaluate your options.

Substituted Judgment

In Nevada, even those persons deemed incompetent can make amendments to their estate planning for tax planning purposes or for other valid reasons through a process known as substituted judgment. This flexibility makes Nevada’s system particularly accessible, and our firm is a recognized leader in this specialty, often receiving referrals from attorneys across states.

Hire One of Our Las Vegas Guardianship Lawyers Today

For an initial consultation, reach out to our team of guardianship attorneys in Las Vegas. We are available at (702) 853-5483, or you can contact us online.

We Can Address Your Questions About Nevada Guardianships

There may come a time when a loved one can no longer manage their own finances or personal care. Our experienced lawyers answer some frequently asked questions about guardianship. We can address your specific concerns about an elderly parent or another person who needs a guardian. Based in Las Vegas, Solomon Dwiggins Freer & Steadman, LTD. handles guardianships statewide.

What is guardianship?

Guardianship is a legal process to intervene on behalf of a person (called a Protected Person) who has become incapable of independently handling their own personal, healthcare, financial, or legal affairs. The guardian must be approved by a probate court and has defined powers, obligations and restrictions. Guardianship may be necessary if the person did not previously establish powers of attorney in their estate plan.

What is the difference between guardian of the person and guardian of the estate?

A guardian of the person oversees the Protected Person’s day-to-day care and general well-being. They are authorized to make medical decisions and personal care decisions, from travel plans to assisted living or skilled nursing care.

A guardian of the estate has control over the Protected Person’s financial affairs. This can include paying bills, managing bank accounts and investments, selling property or liquidating stock, and authorizing expenses on behalf of the ward.

A guardian of the person and the estate is fully responsible for the Protected Person’s personal care, healthcare, finances, and living arrangements.

How do I know if it’s time to seek a guardianship?

If your loved one is or becomes incapable of independently handling their finances or healthcare it may be time to initiate a guardianship. Often, we encounter individuals who are concerned that a family member has become prone to financial scams, is mismanaging their finances, or is neglecting their health. In these cases, we consult with the potential client about what they have observed and what the concerns are, and assist the client in determining whether a guardianship may be beneficial. The court will require an independent medical evaluation before declaring a person incompetent and appointing a guardian. A temporary guardianship may be an option in emergency situations if the person is vulnerable to abuse, undue influence or a predatory scam, or if your loved one presents an immediate danger to their own health.

Can my guardianship request be contested?

Yes. The Protected Person and interested family members can challenge the guardianship if they believe the guardianship is being sought for an improper purpose, if the wrong person is seeking to be appointed guardian, or if they believe that the Protected Person is still competent. Upon filing for guardianship, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent the Protected Person in all court proceedings.