Estates & Guardianship Attorneys in Voorhees Township, New Jersey

When creating your estate plan, one of the most important things to consider is the future of your children or other dependents. By appointing guardians you trust, you can feel secure knowing the ones you love most will be in good hands in the event of your death. Get in touch with a skilled attorney to learn more about your guardianship options.

At Fridie Law Group LLC, we work with those looking to appoint guardians, as well as those who recently started acting as guardians. We understand both of these moments are deeply emotional and often overwhelming. That’s why we aim to provide compassionate and intelligent advice on any concern you may have. Our guardianship attorney proudly serves clients throughout New Jersey, including those in Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Marlton, and Medford. Contact us today in Voorhees Township to set up a consultation.

Understanding Guardianship

New Jersey law defines a guardian as a person or agency appointed to act on behalf of an individual to assure their safety and welfare. Essentially, a guardian makes personal decisions for a ward — an individual who is not capable of making decisions independently, such as a child or a person with a developmental disability.

Types of Guardianship in New Jersey

There are two types of guardianship recognized in New Jersey: guardianship of the person and guardianship of property. Guardianships of property are generally reserved for estates involving large amounts of money or other valuable assets.

Guardianship of the person can be broken down further into two separate categories:

• General guardianship. When a ward is determined to be incapable of making decisions for themselves, a general guardian is appointed to act on their behalf.

• Limited guardianship. A limited guardian is appointed to someone who has been deemed capable of making and expressing some, but not all, decisions. They only make decisions that cannot be made by the ward. A limited guardian may be tasked with addressing residential, educational, medical, legal, vocational, or financial matters.

If you’ve been named a general or a limited guardian in New Jersey, you likely have a lot of questions. Reach out to us at Fridie Law Group LLC to get the answers you need.

Who Needs a Guardian?

As you’re creating your estate plan, consider who would be left vulnerable in the event of your passing. The following are individuals who may need guardians appointed to them:

• An adult who is no longer able to independently make sound decisions regarding his or her healthcare

• An adult who cannot manage his or her finances or property

• A child whose parents are deceased, absent, or unable to provide appropriate care

• A child who inherits money or property

Our experienced attorney is ready to listen to your needs and advise you on the best way to address guardianship in your estate planning documents.

How to Choose a Guardian

Narrowing down guardianship candidates can be difficult. You want to be sure the person or people caring for your loved ones will protect their best interests. Consider each person on your list, and ask yourself the following questions before naming them in your estate plan:

• How emotionally prepared is this person to take on this added responsibility?

• How comfortable is your child with this person?

• Are this person’s parenting style, values, and religious beliefs similar to your own?

• How far away does this person live? Would your child have to leave a familiar school, friends, and neighborhood at an emotionally difficult time?

• Does this person have the time and energy to devote to your loved one?

Before naming a guardian in your estate plan, make sure to first ask them if they would be willing to accept the responsibility. You should also have financial matters taken care of, as your guardian should be required to fund the needs of your loved one.

Schedule a Consultation

Thinking about the future can be intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us at Fridie Law Group LLC when you have questions about the guardianship process in New Jersey. From our office in Voorhees Township, we provide knowledgeable guidance to clients in Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Marlton, and Medford. Reach out today to set up a time to talk.