Oak Park, IL Guardianship Attorney

Experienced Guardianship Lawyer Serving Hillside, Maywood, Elmhurst, and Throughout the Area

When minors, disabled adults or elderly individuals need someone to look after their affairs, guardianships can be very useful for accomplishing this purpose. A guardianship is often used as an estate planning tool to determine ahead of time who will care for minor children if something should happen to the parents. It can also be used to appoint someone to parent a child if the biological parents are no longer able to do so.

For over three decades, the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. has helped clients with all types of guardianships in DuPage County, Cook County, and communities throughout the Chicago area. Our office is friendly, responsive, and detail-oriented. We take the time to thoroughly examine your case so that we can develop the most practical and efficient path to a favorable resolution. It is this high level of personalized customer service that has produced so many satisfied clients over the years.

Types of Guardianships in Illinois

Guardianships may be used for multiple purposes; some of the most common include:

• Minors: During estate planning, the appointment of a guardian to take care of the testator's minor children. A guardian may also be appointed in cases when parents are no longer able to care for their own minor children. Examples include severe health problems and imprisonment.
• Disabled Adults: When special needs children become adults, they are often unable to look after themselves. In such cases, parents or other family members may petition the court for guardianship.
• Elderly: When an elderly family member suffers from a debilitating condition and can no longer manage his/her affairs, the appointment of a guardian or power of attorney may become necessary.

There are two general types of guardianships:

• Person Guardianship: The guardian is put in charge of making day-to-day decisions such as those regarding food, shelter, clothing, and health care.
• Estate Guardianship: The guardian is put in charge of making decisions regarding financial and legal matters.

In many cases, the guardianship is plenary, meaning the guardian is responsible for all decisions on behalf of the individual. In some cases, however, the court awards limited guardianship, giving the guardian the power to make only the decisions the court specifies. To be appointed as a guardian, an individual must be at least 18 years of age or older, of sound mind, a legal resident of the U.S., and have no serious criminal convictions.

Contact Our Illinois Family Law Attorney

The Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. has extensive knowledge of guardianships, and how to successfully navigate the legal complexities of the guardianship process. We also work with clients who are seeking to have an unfit guardian removed. For skilled legal guidance with guardianships or any other family law matter, contact our office today at 708-449-7404 for a free consultation.