St. Louis Guardianship Attorney

Guardianship is a legal relationship in which one person, known as the guardian, is appointed by a court to make decisions and take actions on behalf of another person, known as the ward. Guardianships can be established for children or adults and are often used to protect the interests of individuals who are unable to make decisions or take actions on their own due to physical or mental incapacity.

In Missouri, guardianships are governed by state law and can be complex and time-consuming. If you’re considering seeking guardianship for a loved one, it’s essential to understand the process and seek the guidance of an experienced guardianship attorney.

At Stange Law Firm, our St. Louis guardianship lawyers have decades of experience providing legal counsel to clients throughout the state who are seeking to establish or contest guardianship. We understand the family laws, regulations, and procedures related to guardianship in Missouri and are dedicated to helping our clients protect the best interests of their loved ones. Connect with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Legal Guardianship in Missouri?

The cost of obtaining legal guardianship can vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances. In general, the process can be costly, as it may require the services of an attorney, a guardian ad litem (a person appointed by the court to represent the ward’s interests), and other professionals, such as a social worker or medical professional.

The cost of the guardianship process may also include filing fees, service of process fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. The ward’s assets may be used to cover these costs, or the petitioner may be required to pay the costs out of pocket.

Overall, it’s difficult to estimate the exact cost of obtaining legal guardianship in Missouri, as it will depend on the specific circumstances of the protection case and the complexity of the ward’s affairs. Therefore, it’s important to work with an experienced guardianship attorney to understand the potential costs and develop a plan to cover them.

Do Guardians Get Paid in Missouri?

Guardians may be paid for their services. The amount of the guardian’s compensation will depend on the terms of the guardianship order and the complexity of the ward’s affairs. The ward’s assets may pay the guardian’s fees, or the petitioner may pay them if the ward’s assets are insufficient to cover the costs.

The court will typically review the guardian’s fees to ensure they are reasonable and necessary. The guardian may be required to provide an itemized list of their fees and expenses, as well as a report on the management of the ward’s affairs. The court may also appoint an attorney to represent the ward’s interests in the matter.

It’s important to note that the terms of the guardianship order may limit the guardian’s duties and responsibilities. For example, the guardian may be required to obtain court approval for certain actions or decisions, such as the sale of real estate or the distribution of the ward’s assets.

Overall, guardians may be paid for their services, but the amount of their compensation will depend on the specific terms of the guardianship order and the complexity of the ward’s affairs. Therefore, it’s important to work with an experienced guardianship attorney to ensure that the guardian’s fees are reasonable and necessary and that the ward’s interests are protected.

How Do I Petition for Guardianship in Missouri?

To petition for guardianship, you must first file a petition with the court. The petition will need to include information about the ward, such as their name, address, and date of birth, as well as information about the proposed guardian, such as their name, address, and relationship to the ward. The petition will also need to include a statement explaining why guardianship is necessary and outlining the duties and responsibilities for which the guardian will be responsible.

After the petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether guardianship is necessary and, if so, who should be appointed as the guardian. At the hearing, the court will consider evidence from the petitioner and any interested parties, such as witnesses or medical professionals. The court will then issue an order either granting or denying the petition for guardianship.

If the petition is officially granted, the court will appoint a guardian and issue an order outlining the guardian’s duties and responsibilities. This could include child support or custody obligations. The guardian will then be required to file an inventory of the ward’s assets and periodic reports with the court to account for the management of the ward’s affairs.

Working with an experienced guardianship attorney is important to ensure that the petition is properly prepared and presented to the court. An attorney can also help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your interests throughout the guardianship proceedings.

How Long Does Guardianship Last In Missouri?

The time that guardianship lasts can vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances. In general, guardianships are intended to be temporary child custody arrangements and may be terminated when the ward is no longer unable to manage their own affairs or when the guardian is no longer able or willing to serve.

Guardianships for minors typically end when the child turns 18 years old unless the guardianship was established for a child with special needs. In these cases, the guardianship may continue until the child is 21 years old or able to manage their own affairs.

Guardianships for adults may continue until the ward can manage their own affairs or until the guardian is no longer able or willing to serve. The court may review the guardianship periodically to determine whether it is still necessary and whether the guardian is fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.

Overall, the length of time that guardianship lasts will depend on the case’s specific circumstances and the ward’s ability to manage their own affairs. It’s important to work with an experienced guardianship attorney to understand the terms of the guardianship and ensure that the ward’s interests are protected.

Contact Stange Law Firm Today

At Stange Law Firm, our team of experienced guardianship and divorce attorneys can help you understand the legal process and protect your interests throughout the proceedings. We know how important guardianship can be for those in need of assistance, and we take pride in providing compassionate legal representation to our clients. To learn more about our guardianship services, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.

Greene County, St. Louis Office : 901 E. St. Louis, Suite 404, Springfield, Missouri 65806