Guardianships
We’re Here When You Need Legal Guardianship Expertise in Noblesville
Roberts Law helps families in Noblesville and throughout Hamilton County navigate legal guardianship cases. If a family member or loved one cannot make decisions for themselves, you may need to establish legal guardianship. Our guardianship attorney understands how overwhelming these situations can feel. But we also have extensive experience helping clients establish legal guardianship for adults and minors. Every family faces different challenges. We’ll work closely with you to find the best solution for your loved one’s needs while ensuring the legal process is as smooth as possible.
Do I Need an Adoption Lawyer?
Many people confuse guardianship with adoption, but they’re different legal processes. Adoption permanently changes a child’s legal parents. Guardianship gives someone the right to care for a child or adult, but it can be temporary or changed later.
If you want to adopt a child, you need an adoption lawyer. If you need to care for someone but adoption is not the right choice, guardianship might be better. Roberts Law can help you understand which option works best for your situation.
What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?
Adoption lawyers handle the legal steps needed to make someone a permanent parent. This includes filing paperwork, representing clients in court, and meeting all legal requirements. If this describes your situation, call us immediately for advice and guidance.
Our Team Is Led by an Experienced Guardianship Attorney for Adults and Minors
Roberts Law handles guardianship cases for both adults and minors. Each type of case has different requirements and considerations.
Adult guardianship often becomes necessary when someone develops dementia, suffers a serious injury, or has a disability that affects their decision-making ability. Someone must convince the court that the person truly cannot make their own decisions about important matters.
Minor guardianship situations arise when parents cannot care for their children. Relatives or close family friends often seek guardianship to provide stability for the child.
When Is Guardianship Necessary?
Guardianship becomes necessary when someone cannot manage their life, health, or finances. The court wants to protect people’s rights while ensuring their safety and well-being, so guardianship is only granted in serious cases.
For adults, guardianship may become necessary because of:
- Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
- Severe mental illness
- Developmental disabilities
- Brain injuries from accidents
- Serious medical conditions that affect mental capacity
Guardianship may be needed for minors when:
- Both parents have died
- Parents are unable to care for their child due to illness or incarceration
- Parents have abandoned the child
- The child’s safety is at risk
How to Get Legal Guardianship in Hamilton County
How to get legal guardianship involves several important steps. First, you must file a petition with the Hamilton County court. This document explains why guardianship is necessary and why you should be appointed as guardian.
The court will schedule a hearing where a judge reviews your case. The person who would be under guardianship has the right to attend and object if they choose. They can also have their own attorney represent them.
In adult cases, the court often requires a medical evaluation. A doctor must examine the person and provide a report about their mental capacity. This helps the judge make an informed decision.
If the court approves your petition, you’ll be appointed as guardian. You’ll receive official documents that give you legal authority to make decisions for your ward.
What Our Guardianship Attorney Can Do for You
Our guardianship attorney will handle important tasks throughout your case. Roberts Law will start by evaluating your situation to determine if guardianship is the right option or if an alternative solution would be better.
If guardianship is appropriate, we’ll prepare and file all necessary court documents, including the initial petition and supporting evidence. We’ll also help gather required medical records and other documentation.
Your legal guardianship lawyer will represent you at all court hearings. We’ll present your case to the judge and answer any questions that arise.
After guardianship is established, we’ll provide ongoing guidance. Our guardianship attorney will help you understand your duties and responsibilities as a guardian and can assist with any issues.
You Can Count on Roberts Law
Roberts Law has built a strong reputation in the Noblesville community. Our guardianship attorney combines legal expertise with genuine care for our clients. We’ll explain the legal process in plain language so that you know what’s happening with your case and what to expect next. Rely on us for all of your guardianship needs.
Contact Our Guardianship Lawyer Today
If you’re considering guardianship for a loved one, we’ll provide the legal assistance you need. The sooner you start the process, the better, so contact us today to schedule a consultation.