Does My Loved One Need a Guardianship? (Arizona)

Determining whether your loved one needs a guardian is a difficult decision and requires thoughtful planning.

Before making that decision, it is important to understand what a guardianship is and if it is necessary. Guardians are court-appointed individuals who agree to take on the responsibility of caring for those who can no longer take care of themselves safely.

Often, those in need of care are elderly individuals who need assistance with medications, hygiene, finances, and other important decisions. Lawyers and courts generally refer to these individuals as “incapacitated” or lacking “capacity” to make decisions for themselves. 

If an incapacitated individual has a valid durable and/or healthcare power of attorney, a guardianship may not be needed. If not, then an individual (typically a close family member) may “petition” the Arizona Superior Court to appoint a guardian for an incapacitated loved one.

If the incapacitated individual has assets that need management, the Court may also appoint a “conservator” to handle those assets for the benefit of the incapacitated person. The guardian and conservator are usually the same person.

The process for obtaining a guardianship or conservatorship is detailed, and can involve family members, doctors, court-appointed attorneys, and others. This complicated process can add to the emotional weight of those seeking to care for their incapacitated loved ones. 

Contact Copper Canyon Law

At Copper Canyon Law, our attorneys are experienced in handling guardianship and conservatorship cases. We stand ready to provide the legal expertise and emotional support needed for guardianship and conservatorship cases.

If you are interested in learning more about guardianships and conservatorships, please contact Copper Canyon Law today. 

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. Use of and access to this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cody Huffaker. Please contact reception@coppercanyonlaw.com or 480-833-3838 to request specific information for your situation.