Skilled Knoxville Guardianship And Conservatorship Attorney
When a loved one becomes unable to make decisions about their health, finances or daily care, families often face difficult choices about legal protection. A skilled guardianship attorney can help you understand your options and take appropriate steps to protect vulnerable family members.
I am attorney Scott B. Hahn, and from my Knoxville office, I help Tennessee families navigate guardianship and conservatorship matters. With 35 years of experience in elder law, I provide the personal attention and dedicated representation your family needs during this challenging time.
Understanding Guardianships And Conservatorships
These legal arrangements serve different but essential roles in protecting vulnerable individuals. Each type addresses specific needs:
- Guardianship focuses on personal care decisions and living arrangements
- Conservatorship primarily handles financial matters and property
- Limited guardianships restrict authority to specific areas
- Emergency guardianships provide immediate protection
- Temporary arrangements address short-term incapacity
Understanding these distinctions helps determine which option best fits your family’s situation.
The Process In Tennessee
Establishing guardianship or conservatorship requires careful attention to legal procedures and court requirements. The process includes:
- Medical evaluation of the person’s capacity through detailed physician statements documenting specific limitations in decision-making abilities
- Filing detailed petitions with the court outlining the reasons for guardianship, proposed arrangements and qualifications of the potential guardian
- Notifying all interested family members, including adult children, siblings and other relatives who have a right to object or participate
- Attending court hearings to present evidence about the need for guardianship and the proposed guardian’s ability to serve
- Regular reporting to the court after appointments, including annual accountings of financial matters and updates on the ward’s condition
As an experienced Knoxville guardianship lawyer, I walk you through each phase while protecting your loved one’s rights and dignity throughout the process.
Rights And Responsibilities
When serving as a guardian or conservator, you take on significant duties to protect your loved one’s interests. These responsibilities include:
- Making appropriate healthcare decisions
- Managing financial resources responsibly
- Providing detailed accounts to the court
- Maintaining separate records for all transactions
- Acting in the protected person’s best interest
My role involves helping you understand and fulfill these obligations while protecting your loved one’s dignity.
Contact My Knoxville Office Today
Call me at 865-433-6798 or reach out through my online form to schedule a consultation. I will personally review your situation and explain how I can help protect your loved one’s interests through guardianship or conservatorship.