It’s not uncommon for a parent or other family member to reach a time in their life when they are no longer able to manage their own day-to-day living. Remembering responsibilities may become too much for them. Basic daily activities and self-care routines can become impossible tasks. When this occurs, it may be necessary to ask the court to appoint a legal guardian to ensure they are properly cared for.
Adult Guardianship: Where to Begin?
There are several ways to start the process of appointing a guardian. Family members and even friends can file a petition to have a guardian appointed. A person can also file the petition on their own behalf, if they feel that they need to. Occasionally, a state or local agency may petition for a person to have a guardian appointed.
Legal Representation
However it comes to be initiated, the guardianship process takes time, effort and consideration. In Missouri, the person in need of a guardian must be represented by an attorney before a guardianship hearing can even take place. Adult guardianships involve removing certain responsibilities and freedoms from an adult, which cannot be taken lightly.
Adult Guardianship in Missouri: Alternatives?
Here, in Missouri, adults are presumed to have the capacity to make decisions for themselves unless proven otherwise. Someone petitioning for guardianship must show why a guardianship is warranted. They’ll need to provide proof that they’ve considered alternatives and explain why those alternatives aren’t feasible.
We Can Help
If you are seeking a guardianship in Missouri, call us at 816-774-1107 to schedule a consult.
