It’s not uncommon for a parent or other family member to reach a challenging time in their life when they are no longer able to effectively manage their own day-to-day living activities. Remembering responsibilities, such as attending appointments or maintaining household chores, may become too overwhelming for them. Basic daily activities, including essential self-care routines like bathing, eating, and taking medications, can turn into impossible tasks. When this situation arises, it may become necessary to seek the intervention of the court to appoint a legal guardian who can ensure that they are properly cared for and supported throughout this difficult period.

Adult Guardianship: Where to Begin?

There are several effective ways to start the process of appointing a suitable guardian for someone in need. Family members and even close friends can file a petition requesting that a guardian be appointed to oversee the individual’s care and well-being. Additionally, a person can also file the petition on their own behalf, particularly if they believe that they require assistance navigating daily challenges. Occasionally, a state or local agency may step in and petition for a person to have a guardian appointed, especially in situations where the individual may not have capable support from family or friends.

Legal Representation

However it comes to be initiated, the guardianship process takes significant time, careful effort, and thoughtful consideration. In Missouri, the person in need of a guardian must be represented by a qualified attorney before a guardianship hearing can even take place. Adult guardianships involve the serious process of removing certain responsibilities and freedoms from an adult, which is a decision that cannot be taken lightly or made hastily. It is essential to navigate this process with diligence to ensure that the best interests of the individual are upheld throughout.

Adult Guardianship in Missouri: Alternatives?

Here, in Missouri, adults are generally presumed to possess the capacity to make their own decisions for themselves unless proven otherwise through a formal legal process. When someone is petitioning for guardianship, they must clearly demonstrate the specific reasons why such a guardianship is warranted in the given situation. This process involves providing compelling proof that they have thoroughly considered all available alternatives and must also construct a persuasive argument explaining why those alternatives aren’t feasible or appropriate in this particular case.

We Can Help

If you are seeking a guardianship in the great state of Missouri, we invite you to call us at 816-774-1107 to schedule a convenient consultation at your earliest convenience.