Westport Guardianship Lawyer

Westport, CT Guardianship Attorney

When a loved one cannot speak or act for themselves—whether it’s a child without a parent or an aging adult facing serious health issues—someone needs to step in and make sure their needs are met. In Connecticut, that role is often fulfilled through legal guardianship. At Reich & Truax, PLLC, a Westport guardianship lawyer can help individuals and families in Westport and surrounding towns take on that responsibility with confidence.

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Choosing Reich & Truax, PLLC, for Your Guardianship Needs

At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we don’t just know the law. We understand the stakes. Guardianship cases are deeply personal, often emotional, and sometimes urgent. Our family law attorneys approach these cases with empathy, clarity, and strategic thinking.

We have decades of experience practicing in the Connecticut Probate Court system and have appeared before the Westport and Bridgeport Probate Courts on numerous occasions. We know what judges are looking for, how to prepare airtight petitions, and how to resolve even the most delicate family issues with care.

Whether you’re petitioning for guardianship or responding to one, we will be in your corner, making sure you are informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way.

What Guardianship Means in Connecticut

Guardianship is a legal arrangement where one person is granted the authority to make decisions for another who cannot make those decisions themselves. In Connecticut, this could mean being appointed as a guardian for a minor whose parents are deceased, missing, or unable to care for them, or for an adult who is no longer capable of managing their own health, finances, or daily affairs.

The rules for guardianship are governed by state law and handled through the Connecticut Probate Court system. For clients in Fairfield County, that often means working with the Westport Probate Court or the Bridgeport Probate Court, depending on the specific town or city where the person in need resides.

Guardianship cases come in many forms, and no two are alike. Some are straightforward and amicable. Others are contested and emotionally charged. No matter the circumstances, having an attorney who understands both the law and the human side of the issue makes a big difference.

The Different Types of Guardianship

According to Business Insider, about 1.3 million adults are under a guardianship or conservatorship, with the courts controlling approximately $50 billion worth of assets. With so many guardianships, there are various kinds available. The type of guardianship depends on the circumstances. The common types of guardianships include:

• Guardianship of the person. The guardian makes personal decisions, like medical care and living arrangements.
• Guardianship of the estate. This type focuses on managing the individual’s financial matters, property, or income.
• Plenary guardianship. Typically used when the individual has a significant disability, this gives full authority over both personal and financial matters.
• Temporary guardianship. These options provide short-term or emergency protection, often when a parent is ill or deployed.

Choosing the right path depends on the situation. We work closely with our clients to determine what’s appropriate based on medical reports, family dynamics, and the interests of the person at the heart of the case.

Why People Seek Guardianship

Families come to us for guardianship help during some of life’s most difficult transitions. For example, maybe a grandparent needs to step in because a parent is dealing with an addiction, or an adult child wants to take care of a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Sometimes, it’s a relative of a young person with special needs who needs long-term support into adulthood.

Regardless of the specifics, the common thread is that someone you care about cannot protect themselves, and you are willing to step up. Still, guardianship isn’t automatic. The court will need to see solid evidence that the arrangement is necessary and that it serves the interests of the person involved, and experienced legal guidance becomes critical.

Understanding the Guardianship Process

The guardianship process in Connecticut begins with filing a formal petition in the appropriate probate court, typically either Westport or Bridgeport, depending on where the individual resides. After filing, the court notifies any relatives or other interested parties and may appoint an investigator to evaluate the situation.

In adult cases in Westport, recent medical documentation is usually required to confirm the individual’s incapacity. A hearing is then scheduled, during which a judge reviews all evidence and determines whether guardianship is necessary and appropriate. While some cases are straightforward, others can be contested, and the process often takes several weeks to complete.

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Contact Reich & Truax, PLLC, Today

If you are considering guardianship in Westport or anywhere in Fairfield County, don’t wait for a crisis to take action. The compassionate legal team at Reich & Truax, PLLC, is committed to helping our clients when they need it most. Contact Reich & Truax, PLLC, today to discuss your rights.