At Greenwood Law we understand how important it is to protect the rights and interests of those who are unable to make decisions for themselves. That's why our experienced attorneys are here to provide comprehensive guardianship services to clients throughout the Quad Cities area.

Whether you are seeking to establish guardianship for a child, an elderly parent, or someone with special needs, our Quad Cities guardianship lawyers can help. We will guide you through every step of the process, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you in court.

Call our firm today at (309) 790-7003 to schedule a free initial consultation.

How Is Guardianship Defined in Illinois?

In Quad Cities, IL, legal guardianship is defined as a legally instituted relationship. This relationship is created by a court order, granting a person (the guardian), the authority to make personal, healthcare, and financial decisions on behalf of another person (the ward). The ward is typically an individual who, due to minor age, incapacity, or disability, is incapable of making such decisions independently. It's important to note that the exact responsibilities of a guardian can vary, contingent upon the specific needs of the ward, and the terms determined by the court.

Is Guardianship Different than Power of Attorney?

Guardianship and power of attorney are two legal tools that can be employed when an individual is no longer able to make decisions independently. While they share similarities, there are key differences. A guardian is appointed by the court to manage the personal, healthcare, and financial affairs of a ward. This relationship is typically permanent, and the guardian has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the ward.

On the other hand, a power of attorney is a legal document in which one person (the principal) appoints another person (the agent) to act on their behalf. This agreement can cover a broad range of decisions or be limited to a specific area. Importantly, unlike guardianship, a power of attorney relationship is typically designed to be temporary or comes into effect under specific circumstances, as defined by the principal.