When is a guardianship necessary?
Guardianship is necessary when an individual is no longer able to take care of their own affairs, either personal or financial, and appropriate safeguards have not been put in place in advance, like a power of attorney or a health care surrogate, or a trust. If you have an individual who you are afraid might be starting to lose their capacity, it's vital that you consult with an elder law attorney to try to put those safeguards in place before their capacity is gone. If, on the other hand, you know someone whose capacity has already been lost, it's essential that you consult with an attorney promptly to make sure that their interests are safeguarded.