The process of establishing guardianship in Kansas is an involved and lengthy process, and it is valuable to familiarize yourself with what is involved in filing a petition. One aspect of guardianships that prospective guardians must address as soon as possible is the costs of guardianships. In many cases, guardians are erroneously discouraged by taking on the guardian appointment. When a person (or ward) has been found to be incapacitated by a judge, the judge will decide that they need a guardian, and one will be appointed. Before and after the established guardianship, there will be associated costs, but most of these fees will be paid by the ward’s estate and aren’t the obligation of the guardian.
The Costs Prior Guardianship is Established
To begin the guardianship process in Kansas, the petition must be filed in the county where the individual who is in need lives. The filing fees are set by each county. There are also expenses associated with retaining the requisite healthcare providers to make an evaluation and submit their recommendations. The person in need is provided with an attorney to ensure their best interests are taken care of, and there is a fee for representation. A personal service officer may also be hired to serve specific family members with a legal copy of the petition that notifies them of the impending guardianship hearing.
The Required Expenses Once Guardianship Has Been Established
The responsibility of an appointed guardian also includes making sure all fees and costs are properly paid on behalf of the ward. Some courts also require the guardian to obtain court approval prior to making certain decisions on behalf of the ward, which could create attorney’s fees for drafting and handling specific petitions. The good news for legal guardians is that they are not bound to incur expenses on behalf of the ward.
An Experienced Kansas Guardianship Attorney Today Can Answer Your Questions Today
Kansas Guardianship Attorney Tom McDowell has decades of experience helping families find the care and assistance their loved ones deserve through guardianship. He and his legal team understand the intricacies the guardianship process can bring and look forward to helping your family navigate the legal process through to success.
Call Kansas Guardianship Lawyer Tom McDowell, at McDowell Chartered Legal Services today (316) 269-0746 to see how he can help you determine if guardianship is the right fit for you or a loved one and what associated costs you can expect.
