Tulsa Guardianship Lawyer
At Helton Law Firm, our estate planning practice in Tulsa is dedicated to extending legal protections to individuals who may be unable to provide for themselves. By establishing legal guardianships, we help families protect aging parents or children who require certain physical or financial safeguards.
We also assist with related matters such as adoption, where our adoption attorneys in Tulsa can guide families through the legal process of welcoming a child into their home.
With over 20 years of experience, you can count on our Tulsa guardianship lawyers to help you every step of the way. Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
Protect Your Loved Ones’ Interests With the Help of Our Tulsa Guardianship Attorneys
With years of experience helping families in Tulsa assess and protect their financial interests through comprehensive estate planning, we know full well the importance and benefits of drafting and establishing guardianship documents to account for the long-term interests of aging loved ones or those with special needs.
Whether protecting a child or an adult, our team of guardianship lawyers will provide you with information to determine the best interests of your loved ones when establishing legal guardianships in Tulsa.
Guardianship of an Adult
In many cases, a guardianship is established to protect an aging adult who can no longer care for himself or herself after suffering some type of major physical or mental impairment. Commonly, a son or daughter will step in and take custody of a disabled parent who may be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another disease or disability.
The adult guardian may assist with personal care, financial matters, and upkeep of property, as well as have the power of attorney and address any health or living arrangements.
Guardianship of a Minor
A petition for a minor guardianship may be brought by a close relative or family member, usually a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or stepparent, for a child under the age of 18. Guardianship may be granted if a child’s parent(s) are found to be unfit, unable, or unwilling to care for the child. In many cases, a parent who abuses drugs or alcohol, displays violent behavior, or places a child in harmful or dangerous situations may be found unfit.
Although most have the best interests of their loved ones in mind when petitioning for guardianship, there are cases where this proves otherwise. If you have legitimate reasons for preventing a guardianship of a loved one, it is important to speak with a Tulsa guardianship lawyer.
The Guardianship Process in Tulsa and Throughout Oklahoma
Establishing a guardianship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, involves filing a formal petition with the court. The court will then appoint a guardian only after considering all relevant facts and ensuring that guardianship is truly in the best interest of the person in need of protection (referred to as the “ward”).
Some steps involved in the Tulsa guardianship process include:
- Preparing and filing the petition
- Notifying required parties, including the proposed ward and close relatives
- Attending a hearing before the court
- Presenting evidence that a guardianship is necessary
- Demonstrating that the proposed guardian is qualified and suitable
The court may appoint a temporary guardian in emergency situations; however, a full hearing is required for a long-term guardianship. in Tulsa
Types of Guardianships Available in Oklahoma
Oklahoma law recognizes four types of guardianships, including:
- General guardianship: Provides broad authority over the ward’s personal and/or financial affairs.
- Limited guardianship: Grants authority only over specific aspects of the ward’s care or finances.
- Emergency guardianship: Provides temporary authority in urgent situations (for no more than 10 days).
- Special guardianship: A special type of guardianship for incapacitated adults (doesn’t apply to minors).
Our guardianship attorneys in Tulsa can help you determine which type of guardianship is most appropriate for your situation.
What Happens if Guardianship Is Contested in Tulsa?
Sometimes, the process of establishing a Tulsa guardianship is not straightforward. In certain cases, another family member or interested party may disagree with the proposed guardianship or who should serve as the guardian. Contested guardianship cases can be stressful and emotional, as they often involve complex family dynamics.
If a dispute arises, the court will consider all evidence carefully and will ultimately make a decision based on what it deems to be in the best interest of the person needing protection.
At Helton Law Firm, our Tulsa guardianship lawyers have extensive experience handling contested guardianship matters. We will work to present a clear and compelling case on your behalf while also helping you navigate the emotional challenges of these proceedings.
When Should You Consider a Guardianship?
Deciding to pursue a guardianship can be difficult. However, there are many situations where this legal step may be the best way to protect a vulnerable loved one.
You might want to consider establishing a guardianship if:
- An elderly parent or loved one is unable to manage their finances or personal care
- A minor child is living in an unsafe or unstable home
- A family member with special needs is turning 18 and will need ongoing care
- A loved one has suffered a serious medical event or cognitive decline
In all of these situations, establishing guardianship with a Tulsa attorney can provide legal authority to help make important decisions and safeguard the well-being of someone who cannot protect themselves.
Contact Helton Law Firm in Tulsa to Secure a Guardianship For Your Loved One
Establishing a guardianship of your family member might seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Helton Law Firm, our Tulsa guardianship attorneys have more than two decades of experience and are qualified to help you throughout the entire legal process.
To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us at (918) 928-7104 or by completing an online contact form.
