A Nevada guardianship may be the best way to care for a loved one

Any number of situations can result in a Nevada loved one being unable to care for him- or herself. In those instances, it may be necessary to seek a guardianship in order to ensure the health and safety of your loved one. Being appointed guardian means that you are responsible for making decisions on behalf of your charge.

Different types of guardianships exist, depending on the person needing help. For instance, if a minor child will be left without a legal parent to care for him or her for any extended period, a guardian may be appointed by the court. Parents have the option of appointing a guardian for their child for no more than 60 days in an emergency situation. The guardian of a minor child does not supplant the parent, but merely makes decisions on behalf of the child.

There are two basic types of adult guardianship. Parents who have a developmentally disabled child may need a guardianship in order to continue to care for him or her beyond the age of 18, which is when an individual is typically able to make decisions as an adult. For a loved one who is incapacitated, such as an elderly parent or grandparent suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, having someone to make decisions may be required.

The circumstances that necessitate the need for a guardianship are often challenging for a Nevada family. However, the experience of getting a guardian appointed does not have to be equally so. An attorney can help make the process of obtaining court approval less complicated and specifically designed to cover the underlying circumstances.