Elderly people may sometimes face challenging situations that require the assistance and support of others. In these situations, appointing a legal guardian to help an elder address their personal needs or manage their finances may be necessary. However, full guardianship may not be necessary or appropriate, and an elder may want to retain control over certain areas of their life. In these instances, limited guardianship can be a viable alternative that ensures the well-being and protection of the elder while allowing them to maintain some level of independence. An attorney with experience handling elder law issues can provide guidance on when limited guardianship may be an ideal solution.
What Is Limited Guardianship?
In a limited guardianship, a court will appoint a person to make certain types of decisions for an elderly person who is unable to handle specific aspects of their life independently. Unlike full guardianship, which grants broad authority over personal and/or financial matters, limited guardianships are narrower in scope. The court may specify the types of decisions a limited guardian can make while taking steps to provide an elder with assurance that they will be able to address their own needs as much as possible.