Manhattan Guardianship Law

A Manhattan Family Attorney can explain that there are two types of guardianship: One when a parent is no longer able to care for their minor child, and the second more common form when a guardianship is appointed for an adult who is unable to care for him- or herself. In New York—Manhattan or Brooklyn or other parts of our area—cases that involve guardianship for a child are handled mostly in Family Court; guardianship issues for individuals over the age of 18 are handled by the Supreme Court. If your family has an adult loved one who can longer care for themselves, or faces the wrenching situation where a child’s parents can no longer provide care, talk to a Manhattan Guardianship Lawyer today at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC. Our free advice can help you through the legal issues your family faces, whether you live in NYC, in Westchester County, or on Long Island in Suffolk County.

Your Manhattan Family Lawyer will start by explaining the circumstances under which a guardian may be appointed:

• person who wants to be sure his or her estate is in trusted hands as well as the health, education and welfare of the individual.

A guardian may be appointed for a child in the New York Courts when that child’s parents have abandoned him/her, when they have abused him/her, or when they have failed to provide adequate care. The guardian appointed by the court will have the responsibility for making necessary decisions and managing his/her affairs. In the office of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, located throughout the NYC area as well Long Island including Nassau County to Suffolk County, a Manhattan Guardianship Lawyer will be sure you understand that a guardian will have the same legal standing as a parent. This includes having responsibility for providing shelter for the child, as well as making sure that child gets a proper education and adequate medical care.

• A guardian may also be appointed for an adult “alleged incapacitated person” (over the age of 18) if that individual is not capable of caring for themselves. There may be a contested guardianship or uncontested guardianship. The person may be brought before the court by a concerned friend or relative, and then the court will conduct an evaluation—possibly with a doctor’s input. The court-appointed guardian may be given control over the individual and his or her care, over that person’s property, or both. The case may involve voluntary guardianship—such as in the case of an elderly

Your Manhattan Guardianship Lawyer will tell you that, by its very nature, guardianship affects an individual’s personal rights. It is a significant matter of Family Law that determines who has decision-making authority on behalf of another individual. Let the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC lessen your family’s burden and help you legally establish the best situation for your loved one’s care. We can assist with family matters like conservatorship and guardianship, and other Family Law cases including Custody and Visitation. Contact us right away at 800.696.9529, then meet with us in our location closest to you, from Manhattan to Long Island we are there to meet with and help you.