Mankato Guardianship Attorney

Sometimes it is necessary to become the guardian of a minor child or an adult who has a physical or mental incapacity. Becoming a guardian can be an incredibly demanding job, and it is important for a person to understand the process of becoming a guardian under Minnesota law (MS 524.5-204). The state implements strict statutes to ensure the well-being of any minor child or vulnerable adult in these situations. At Knutson+Casey, our Mankato guardianship attorneys are ready to help you get through this process.

Why Choose Us?

When you are going through something as personal as obtaining guardianship, you need an attorney by your side with extensive experience handling these matters. Knutson + Casey is ready to help you through this.

• Our attorneys take the time to get to know our clients and their particular situation so that we can craft a strategy that best meets their goals and needs.
• We have extensive experience handling family law issues throughout Minnesota, including obtaining guardianship.
• We understand that finances are a major concern of our clients, which is why we structure our fees in a way that is fair for everybody involved.

What is a Guardian, and Who Can Be One?

A guardian is a person who has been given legal authority by the courts to make personal decisions for an individual who is incapable of making their own decisions. This can include children under the age of 18 or adults who have a physical or mental incapacity that renders them unable to care for themselves (MS 524.5-313).

In these situations, the guardian will have the responsibility of making decisions in the best interests of the ward (the person under the care of the guardian). A guardian will have the power and duties to:

• Establish a residence for the ward
• Provide for the ward’s care, including food, clothing, shelter, health care, social and recreation needs, etc.
• Take reasonable care for the ward’s belongings, including their vehicles, furniture, clothing, and other personal effects
• Exercise supervisory authority over the ward
• Apply for any available governmental assistance on behalf of the ward
• Give consent as necessary for the ward to be able to receive medical or other professional care

Differences Between Guardianship and Conservatorship

A conservator is a person who has been given the legal authority by a Minnesota court to handle the financial affairs of an individual who is unable to manage their own finances. There are various reasons why a person may not be able to manage their own finances, including a disability caused by a medical condition, dementia, stroke, or brain injury. A conservator will have the financial responsibility to conserve and manage the person’s estate, and can be held accountable by the court if they mismanage the estate.

Contact a Mankato Family Law Attorney

If you have any questions about establishing a guardianship or a conservatorship over an individual, contact a southern Minnesota family lawyer as soon as possible. At Knutson + Casey, we understand that this can be a challenging situation, but we have the experience necessary to ensure that everything is handled properly. When you need a Mankato guardianship attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case online or by calling us at (507) 344-8888.