It is not required to hire an attorney if you wish to establish guardianship, however it may be beneficial to seek legal counsel when approaching the complicated process. If you are unfamiliar with the process, it can be helpful to speak to an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in the area of Kansas guardianship law, however anyone is able to file for guardianship on their own, or pro se. Many cases can be very straightforward and simple, however most are encompassed with subjective nuances that may create issues before, during and after the court hearing.
You may find that seeking the help of an attorney would be beneficial in the following scenarios:
- If any party involved has an estate with significant assets
- If any interested party lives outside of Kansas
- If other relevant legal proceedings are occurring concurrently
- If a child or adult involved has special needs
- If a party is a part of any branch of the armed forces
- If any party involved is a Native American
Although a lawyer is not required in order to file a guardianship petition, they are knowledgeable in the applicable laws and have valuable experience with the legal process. A Kansas guardianship lawyer will have experience with a variety of scenarios and will be able to approach your subjective matter proficiently. Guardianship lawyers re also familiar with the specific courtroom rules and guardianship procedures, understand how to properly prepare for a guardianship case, and know when specific witness, experts or other testimony will be necessary in order to demonstrate the strongest case for appointment.
Oftentimes, families find that hiring an attorney can provide comfort and confidence in handling the pre-hearing, hearing and post-hearing stages of a guardianship matter. Each family is different in regards to their wishes, their circumstances and their goals for guardianship. No two guardianship cases are the same, and whether or not the incapacitated person is a child or an adult, a guardianship attorney will work to ensure their best interest is cared for throughout the process. Discussing your matter will help you organize your goals and ensure your guardianship matter is handled correctly and proficiently. If you decide to hire an attorney to handle your matter, it is important to facilitate open communication, identify expectations and ensure your Kansas guardianship attorney has the years of experience your matter, and your family, deserve.
How a Kansas Guardianship Attorney Can Help You Obtain Legal Rights
Whether you are a grandparent or a relative of a child you care for and wish to obtain legal rights, our law firm can help. Attorney Tom McDowell is a trusted Kansas Guardianship Lawyer with decades of experience who can help you with your family’s needs. Call McDowell Chartered Legal Services today at (316) 269-0746 to see how we can help you establish guardianship.