Dedicated Guardianship Attorneys in Lafayette, IN

Protecting a vulnerable loved one requires a steady hand and a deep understanding of Indiana law. At Luisa White Law, LLC, we help you secure the legal authority necessary to care for those who cannot care for themselves.

Our founding partner, Luisa White, has over a decade of experience in Indiana family law. She is fluent in Spanish and represents clients from diverse backgrounds. Our Lafayette guardianship lawyers are committed to earning your trust through action – not words.

Understanding Different Types Of Guardianship In Indiana

When an individual lacks the capacity to make safe decisions, you may need to seek a guardianship. Indiana courts generally appoint guardians for two groups. These include:

• Minor children: For minors, a guardianship is often necessary if the parents cannot provide proper care. This might happen due to illness, military deployment or other personal struggles. A guardian steps in to handle the child’s schooling, medical care and daily needs.
• Incapacitated adults: For adults, the court looks for evidence that the person cannot manage their own affairs. This often involves seniors facing dementia or individuals with significant developmental disabilities.

When it comes to our guardianship cases at Luisa White Law, LLC, our goal is to help you secure the legal structure you need to protect your loved one’s dignity while also ensuring their well-being.

What Types Of Guardianships Does Indiana Recognize?

Guardianship may be necessary when a child’s parents are unable to care for them due to illness, absence or other circumstances. In other situations, a guardianship might be necessary to protect a vulnerable adult. Indiana law recognizes several types of guardianship:

• Minor guardianship: Appointed when a child’s parents are deceased or incapacitated
• Temporary guardianship: Short-term, often used in emergencies (up to 90 days)
• Permanent guardianship: Long-term care and decision-making authority
• Limited guardianship: Grants authority only in specific areas, such as health care or finances

There are many key differences between guardianship and custody. Guardianship is court-appointed and may involve nonparents. Guardianships can either be for an adult or a minor. In the alternative, custody issues are specific to minor children and address parental rights.

When Do You Need A Legal Guardian In Indiana?

To appoint a guardian, a petition must be filed in probate court. Our family law attorneys can help you with a petition for guardianship. With a guardianship, you can:

• Manage financial assets: Through a guardianship, you can gain the power to pay bills, sell property or handle government benefits.
• Oversee medical care: With a guardianship in place, you can make informed decisions about doctors, surgeries and long-term care facilities.
• Ensure personal safety: A guardianship provides you with the authority to decide where the individual lives to keep them out of harm’s way.

We help you determine if a guardianship is the right fit for your situation. In addition, we can also explore whether a less restrictive option exists.

Talk To A Lafayette Guardianship Lawyer Today

Our guardianship lawyers are available to answer your questions and explain your options. To schedule an appointment, you can call our Lafayette office at 765-239-5695. You can also reach out to us by sending a message through our online form.