Question
I live in Decatur, Georgia. How do I get legal guardianship of my adult son? He has cerebral palsy and can't fend for himself.
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Answer
Expert Barbara Repa, a Caring.com senior editor, is an attorney, a journalist specializing in aging issues, and the author of WillMaker, software enabling consumers to write their own wills, health care directives, powers of attorney, and final arrangements.
First make sure you want and need what you seek. An adult guardianship or conservatorship is a fairly drastic measure, but can be set up after a judge decides that a person can't take care of individual personal care and finances.
The person or people named to act as a conservator on behalf of the incapacitated older person will then be responsible for ensuring:
* appropriate housing
* health and medical care
* food and clothing
* housekeeping and personal care
* transportation and recreation, and
* legal counsel in all legal matters.
If a conservator is also appointed for the person?s estate will also be responsible for:
* managing all aspects of the person?s finances
* protects all assets
* applying for benefits, and
* paying bills.
Your first stop for good information about specifics for filing and possible legal help with it would be the Decatur Probate Court, which handles such matters.
You may also get some referrals and information about possible alternatives from United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia.
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