When a loved one is no longer able to make decisions for themselves, the time might come to form a legal guardianship. Additionally, when a child is left without stable parents, concerns over their guardianship can arise. Whether you are a grandparent seeking the guardianship of a grandchild near West Park or an aged loved one has been placed into care at Westwood Manor, an experienced DeRidder guardianships lawyer is here to help you through the emotional and legal difficulties.
With over 35 years of legal experience, the team at Godley Law Firm is here to serve you. We understand the emotional and legal complexities that accompany most guardianship cases and are here to carry some of the burden alongside you.
Our primary focus is to help empower your family to take the steps necessary to protect young or aging loved ones who may not be able to care for themselves. Whatever your guardianship case entails, we are the team to help you resolve it.
In DeRidder, guardianship is an official legal arrangement where the court names an individual, or guardian, to make decisions on behalf of the other individual, or the ward, who they believe is not able to care for themselves. These guardians can become accountable for all personal decisions, health decisions, and financial management of the ward, depending on the circumstances of the case.
According to one study, around 1.3 million people are currently under guardianship in the United States. Several different types of guardianship can be sought in DeRidder, and the team at Godley Law Firm is here to help you, no matter which side of the case you stand on. These types of guardianship include:
Whatever type of guardianship case you are involved with and wherever you stand on the matter, the attorneys at Godley Law Firm are here to assist you and protect your rights. Many different legal challenges can arise in guardianship cases, and we are here to guide you successfully through every single one.
To have an individual declared incompetent in DeRidder, you must file with the courts and explain to them why you believe the individual should be declared incompetent. Both you and the individual you are filing for must appear before a judge in court and prove the statements you have written out in the original petition. The judge then either allows or denies your request.
There are disadvantages to legal guardianship in Louisiana. One of the main disadvantages is that adults under guardianship have an overall lack of control and freedom regarding their own affairs. Their guardian can be placed in charge of all medical decisions and living situations, depending on the extent of powers granted to them by the court. This can be difficult for the ward involved in the guardianship case.
A guardianship lawyer can help you in a variety of ways. When you reach out to Godley Law Firm, we are here to review your case and help prepare and file all paperwork necessary for your official petition. We can also represent you and your interests in all court hearings, advise you on all potential responsibilities you’d carry as a guardian, and assist with any required compliance and reporting.
Who can file for guardianship in DeRidder is normally limited to family members. Others may be allowed to file, such as a friend of the family or caretaker, given the circumstances.
However, the key to a successful guardianship case is the ability to prove the individual in question is in need of extra help. The courts may not always choose a person who files as the legal guardian.
At Godley Law Firm, we know that this is a difficult time for your family. When you hire a guardianships lawyer from our firm, however, you can rest assured knowing you have a compassionate and caring team in your corner.
Whether you are protecting a young child or you are safeguarding the future of an aging individual, we are here to stand by your side every step of the way. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.
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“William L. Godley has been the most sincere blend of compassion and professionalism since our first interaction over a decade ago. The gentle expression he delivers accurate legal advice with is the pivotal point to my recommendation as a previous client. The amount of care and respect received from the entire office is only second to the capacities they hold for Family Law. Without a shadow of doubt, this law firm prioritizes what you and your family need. All while delivering in a way that’s easy to digest comfortably. Consultation would be in anyone’s best interest to meet, let alone, receive legal advice from a team so passionate about resolution and closure for you and your family.” – Leo Caleb
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“I recently used the services of Godley Law Firm to resolve a dispute that had dragged out for years. Other attorneys in the area either could not or would not handle my situation properly. I found the entire staff extremely professional. They gave me a level of comfort I have never experienced in one of the most difficult times of my life. One of the assistants Gaye McCarty seemed to be assigned to my case and I truly believed that she cared. There are just some things you can’t fake. I highly recommend Godley Law Firm to anyone who wants to resolve their issues.” – Steven Edwards
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“I meet people in all kind of professions and sometimes you come across someone who you know was called to be doing what they do! Mr. Godley is definitely one of those people. He was so very thoughtful and kind. He made me feel like I was a priority and that we could accomplish exactly what needed to be done. His staff is above top notch as well! If anyone is needing a family lawyer without the hassle of being pushed and taken advantage of then Mr. Godley is the one to see!!” – Ashley
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“I just hired Mr. Godley and he and his staff felt at ease, he even gave me a hug at the end of our meeting . I paid several thousands of dollars to another local lawyer and all she did was take my money and also appeared to side with my ex. I recommend anyone looking for a good honest family lawyer (who is also a darn good musician) go see Mr. Godley and staff.” – Kin Rom