Raleigh Guardianship Attorney

When someone needs assistance with decision-making, money management, and other critical aspects of their lives, your best option is to work with someone with local knowledge and considerable legal experience. For instance, a Raleigh guardianship attorney with the Breeden Law Office can help you navigate the Wake County guardianship process, which can be complex and full of challenges.

Raleigh family lawyer Jonathan Breeden has represented clients and their loved ones for over 20 years. He has helped many families in Raleigh and the surrounding areas with the most complex and straightforward guardianship issues and would be happy to help find a solution for you.

If you feel that becoming a legal guardian is a wise decision or a necessary step you need to take, contact Breeden Law Office at (919) 480-8005 or use our online form to schedule a consultation.

Guardianship in Raleigh & Wake County, NC

Legal guardianship describes where a person obtains court approval to act on behalf of another individual for certain types of decision-making. Under North Carolina’s guardianship laws (NCGS 35A), a ward is an individual who has some condition that incapacitates them. A guardian is the person, corporation, or public agent who makes decisions regarding the ward’s financial and/or personal matters.

Child Guardianship in Raleigh

Children under the age of 18 are legally unable to act and make decisions in many situations. Appointing a guardian is necessary to handle specific legal issues until the ward reaches age 18.

There are two particular considerations in child guardianship cases:

1. A court will only appoint an adult as general guardian over a child if the biological parents have passed away or had their parental rights terminated.
2. Guardianship may be temporary. There would be no need for guardianship when a legally competent child turns 18. Some adults may only suffer incapacity for a certain amount of time. A ward’s rights can be restored in these situations and others.

To become the guardian of a minor, you must complete an Application for Appointment to become either the guardian of the estate, guardian of the person, or general guardian for a minor. This form must be filed with the estate division of the Clerk of Superior Court of Wake County.

Adult Guardianship in Wake County

A guardianship may also be issued if an adult is deemed incompetent. In these situations, the Clerk of the Superior Court may authorize an appointed guardian to be a substitute decision-maker for the adult.

The Wake County Adult Guardianship Program provides services in Raleigh and throughout Wake County. The program may advocate in the person’s best interests and provide an annual assessment of the individual’s continued need for guardianship.

Guardianship in Wake County, NC

There are three forms of legal guardianship in North Carolina over minors or adults.

1. Guardianship Over the Person – The guardian is in charge of making medical, educational, and housing decisions for the ward. As a personal guardian, you would handle living arrangements, schooling, healthcare, and related matters.
2. Guardianship Over the Estate – A court may appoint an estate guardian to manage the ward’s finances, assets, and investments.
3. General Guardianship – The personal guardian and estate guardian are only empowered to handle tasks within their respective roles. But it may be convenient to have the same person manage both. When appropriate, a judge may appoint a general guardian to care for both financial and personal matters.

Who Can Be a Guardian in Raleigh?

Like the rest of the state, a guardian may be a person, company, or public agent, depending on the situation and needs to be met. Also, more than one guardian may be appointed to a single ward.

For example, if it is in the ward’s best interests, a medical professional may have approval by the court to make medical decisions. A financial advisor may be appointed to handle extensive investments and assets.

The Duties of a Guardian

A guardian must make decisions that align with what you would do when managing your affairs. They must do what is in the best interests of the ward.

A personal guardian may be required to:

• Make appointments for the ward with healthcare providers
• Keep track of prescriptions and administer medications
• Approve medical care recommended by a physician
• Place the ward in appropriate accommodations or assisted living arrangements
• Arrange home care, if appropriate
• Mange school and educational opportunities for the ward

An estate guardian may be required to:

• Monitor assets owned by the ward, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and other property
• Make responsible decisions about investments so that the ward has income for personal care and well-being
• Handle filings for public benefits that the ward may be entitled to receive, such as Social Security Disability Insurance and programs offered through the Wake County Government and State of North Carolina

General guardians would be responsible for all of the tasks required by personal and estate guardians.

Proving Incompetency in Wake County, NC

When seeking to become the guardian of an adult in or around Raleigh, NC, you must prove that they are incompetent to handle their own matters. This can be challenging, as family members and the potential ward may resist.

You will have to present evidence and testimony to the court, showing that the person cannot take care of financial matters and medical needs independently. This may require medical exams and other professional records.

It’s best to work with a Raleigh guardianship lawyer who understands what a Wake County judge needs to see to find someone incompetent. Attorney Jonathan Breeden has successfully navigated many incompetency hearings in the area, and he can do the same for you.

What’s Guardian ad Litem?

A potential ward in North Carolina has a right to a lawyer and guardian ad litem. Guardian ad litem is considered the court’s eyes and ears concerning the minor or allegedly incompetent adult. The court may appoint them.

Guardian ad litem may interview the potential ward and people in their lives, including teachers, medical providers, parents, friends, and family members. They will also observe the ward at home and taking care of personal and financial matters. They will then report their findings to the judge.

The Wake County Guardian ad Litem Program provides court-appointed advocates for abused and neglected children who come to the attention of the Wake County court system. These cases may result in children being placed in foster care or a guardian being appointed.

The Wake County Guardianship Process

To become a guardian in Raleigh, you must go through the Wake County court process, which is comprised of the following steps:

1. Petition the Court: The person seeking guardianship must apply to the Wake County Superior Court, located at 316 Fayetteville St. Mall in Raleigh, NC. Their phone number is 919-791-4000. The application should contain information about the applicant, situation, and a basic inventory of property and assets that may be involved.
2. Take an Oath: Guardians in North Carolina must take an oath to fulfill their duties under the law. Guardians have tremendous power, so their oaths are an essential legal statement to use their power to benefit their wards.
3. Post a Bond: Guardians must post bonds with the Wake County Superior Court. The amount depends on the nature of the guardianship and the complexity of the situation. The clerk may reduce the bond in certain situations.
4. Obtain an Order: The clerk will authorize the guardianship and generate documentation for the guardian.
5. Obtain Letters of Guardianship: The clerk will provide letters of guardianship, which act as legal proof of guardianship. The guardian can then begin activities to benefit the ward.

If the guardianship is challenged, there may be other hearings and an investigation that takes place.

Preparing for Incapacity in Raleigh, NC

The process of becoming a guardian can be time-consuming and expensive. However, there are ways you can prevent the necessity of guardianship proceedings. If you plan ahead so that family members and loved ones are prepared, you can establish your own directives.

• Health Care Power of Attorney – This makes another person an agent on your behalf if you become unable to make medical decisions independently.
• Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney – This allows someone else to handle your finances, investments, real estate, and personal property if you become unable to handle it on your own.