Guardianships And Conservatorships

I am Susan Rossi Cook, an attorney and mediator serving Needham, Massachusetts, and the surrounding area. My practice focuses in large part on helping families find legal solutions that allow them to live their lives safely and peacefully.

I assist people with a variety of estate planning and estate administration issues, using tools like guardianship, conservatorship and durable powers of attorney.

Guardianship gives a third party, usually a family member, the legal authority to make certain decisions for a person with reduced capacity. This guardianship gives the guardian authority over the physical person. A guardianship may be limited to address the specific need rather than to be a full guardianship restricting the individual’s rights.

Conservatorship gives a third party, or conservator, authority over a person’s finances and business affairs when he or she is not legally competent to manage his or her own affairs.

A durable power of attorney and health care proxy are other options for determining who will make decisions on behalf of someone who is legally incompetent or incapacitated. If the individual creates and executes a durable power of attorney or health care proxy before incapacity, he or she may make decisions about who will manage his or her finances in the future. These advance directives also take priority should a petition for guardianship or conservatorship be entered later.

I represent people who are seeking guardianship or conservatorship of a loved one, as well as those who are trying to avoid guardianship or conservatorship. I understand that every family is unique and I am committed to helping you explore your options and pursue an appropriate course of action for you and your loved ones.

Contact Susan Rossi Cook, Attorney And Mediator

Guardianships and conservatorships are governed by complex laws in Massachusetts, and it is important to work with a knowledgeable lawyer to maximize your chances of success. I encourage you to contact my office in Needham, Massachusetts, at 508-507-8742 to arrange an initial consultation.