Guardianship nominations are a fundamental component of a thoughtful estate plan for parents and caregivers who wish to nominate who would care for minor children or dependents in the event of the parent’s incapacity or death. In Newark and throughout Alameda County, naming guardians is a proactive step that reduces uncertainty and helps preserve your family’s stability. This introductory overview explains what guardianship nominations accomplish, how they intersect with wills and trusts, and why documenting your preferences now can make decisions smoother for family members who will act on your behalf during a stressful time.
Selecting a guardian involves more than choosing a trusted person; it requires considering practical matters like the guardian’s location, parenting approach, financial capacity, and willingness to serve. Many clients find that documenting contingency plans and related directions—such as temporary care arrangements, educational preferences, and health care considerations—helps align guardianship nominations with broader estate planning goals. This paragraph outlines how nominations fit into instruments such as pour-over wills, trust-related assignments, and advance directives, and why reviewing nominations periodically keeps them consistent with changing family circumstances and laws in California.
Naming a guardian for minor children or dependents provides certainty, reduces conflict, and signals your intentions clearly to family members and the court. A well-crafted nomination promotes continuity of care by spelling out your preferences for who will assume responsibility and how that care should be managed. Beyond emotional reassurance, nominations can simplify court processes and support smoother transitions by providing the information necessary to avoid lengthy disputes. For families in Alameda County, clear nominations also help align guardianship decisions with related estate planning documents, minimizing administrative delays and protecting the best interests of the children or dependents involved.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman has a long history of guiding families through estate planning matters in San Jose, Newark, and throughout California. Our practice focuses on practical, personalized planning that reflects local laws and family priorities. We work closely with clients to understand their goals and to prepare documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship nominations that coordinate with one another. The firm emphasizes clear communication, careful drafting, and thoughtful planning so families are prepared for future contingencies while preserving family relationships and minimizing court involvement whenever possible.
Guardianship nominations are typically included in estate planning documents like wills and sometimes in separate statutory nomination forms. The nomination indicates who you would prefer to serve as guardian for minor children or dependents if you are unable to care for them. While a nomination expresses your preference, the court retains authority to approve and appoint a guardian under California law. Understanding how nominations interact with trusts, pour-over wills, and other planning tools helps families put a cohesive plan in place that reflects their day-to-day wishes and long-term intentions for a dependent’s care and welfare.
In addition to naming primary and alternate guardians, effective planning addresses the transfer of assets for the dependent’s benefit, such as through a trust or designated accounts, and coordination with powers of attorney and healthcare directives. Considerations include who will manage financial resources for a child, how education and health decisions are to be handled, and any unique needs that might require ongoing support. Proper documentation reduces the burden on loved ones at an already difficult time and helps ensure that the nominated guardian can access necessary information and legal authority promptly.
A guardianship nomination is a formal statement within estate planning documents naming an individual or individuals you prefer to serve as guardian for a minor child or dependent adult if you cannot perform that role. The nomination may name a primary guardian and alternates and can include specific wishes about the guardian’s responsibilities and the dependent’s care. While the nomination guides the court, the judge makes the final appointment based on the best interests of the child or dependent. Including detailed information alongside the nomination provides clarity about your values and practical expectations for future caregivers.
Important elements of a guardianship nomination include naming primary and alternate guardians, indicating any preferences for co-guardianship, and describing relevant considerations such as living arrangements, schooling, healthcare, and religious upbringing. The process of implementing a nomination typically involves drafting the nomination in a will or a separate form, reviewing related financial arrangements such as trusts or custodial accounts, and updating beneficiary designations and powers of attorney. Regular reviews ensure that nominations remain current with changes in family dynamics, the nominated person’s situation, or legal developments in California that could affect guardianship decisions.
This glossary explains terms commonly encountered when planning guardianship nominations, including guardianship, nominee, alternate guardian, conservatorship, pour-over will, trust, and related documents. Understanding these terms helps clients make informed decisions and communicate preferences clearly in their estate plan. Each term relates to practical steps and legal implications for the care and financial support of minor children or dependents. Clear definitions reduce confusion during planning and provide family members with a shared vocabulary when acting on your wishes or interacting with the court in Alameda County.
A guardian is an individual appointed to provide personal care and make parenting decisions for a minor child or dependent when a parent cannot do so. Guardians handle daily matters such as living arrangements, education, and medical decisions for the dependent’s well-being, always subject to the court’s oversight and California law. A nomination names who you prefer to fulfill this role, but the court evaluates what is in the dependent’s best interest before appointment. Guardians should be prepared to act responsibly and coordinate with trustees or financial managers when money is held for the dependent’s care.
An alternate guardian is a backup nominee designated to assume guardianship if the primary nominee is unable or unwilling to serve. Naming alternates provides continuity and reduces uncertainty by presenting the court with an ordered list of preferred caregivers. Alternates should be discussed with family members so they understand the responsibilities and expectations. Including alternates is a prudent step in planning because it ensures there are options ready should circumstances change, and it helps the court follow the parents’ priorities while still assessing the best interests of the child or dependent.
A nomination is a formal statement made within a will or separate document that indicates who the parent or guardian prefers to act as the caregiver for a minor or dependent in the event of incapacity or death. While the nomination expresses the decedent’s wishes, the court reviews those preferences alongside other factors affecting the dependent’s best interest. Nominations often include specifics about alternates and may be paired with financial instructions, such as trusts or custodial arrangements, to ensure the appointed person can provide for the dependent’s needs without unnecessary delay or legal obstacles.
A pour-over will is a will designed to move any assets not already placed into a trust into that trust at the time of a person’s death. When guardianship nominations appear in a pour-over will, the nomination expresses the parent’s preference for a child’s guardian while also coordinating assets to flow into trust structures that support the child financially. This combination helps ensure that both custody and financial care are addressed in a coordinated manner, which can reduce administrative complexity and support smoother ongoing management for the child or dependent.
Families considering guardianship nominations should weigh different legal approaches such as naming guardians in a will versus securing temporary caregiving arrangements through powers of attorney or trust-based transfers of assets. Each option addresses different needs: nominations focus on custody, while trusts and assignments manage financial support. In some cases, informal arrangements may suffice for short-term needs, but formal documentation better protects long-term interests. Comparing options helps families decide how to coordinate custody preferences, financial planning, and healthcare decisions in a cohesive plan tailored to their situation and goals under California law.
A limited approach, such as an informal temporary care agreement or a basic nomination in a simple will, can be appropriate when families have reliable caregivers nearby and the anticipated needs are short-term. In these cases, parents may prioritize convenience and speed while maintaining clarity about caregiving preferences. However, informal arrangements carry risks if legal authority is needed quickly. Even when relying on a limited approach, it is wise to ensure that essential documents and clear contact details are available so guardians or caregivers can act without unnecessary delay when an urgent situation arises.
If a family’s financial situation is straightforward and assets intended for a child are minimal, a simple nomination paired with basic beneficiary designations might suffice for short-term continuity of care. This approach can reduce complexity when there are no significant trusts or ongoing financial management needs. Nevertheless, even modest estates benefit from clear instructions about guardianship, healthcare preferences, and contact information so that appointed caregivers and the court can quickly understand the parents’ intentions and carry them out with minimal administrative burden.
Comprehensive planning becomes important when a family faces complex circumstances such as blended families, dependents with special needs, or assets that require careful management over time. In such situations, a broader strategy that includes guardianship nominations, trusts, and coordinated financial arrangements ensures that custody and long-term support are addressed together. Thoughtful planning reduces the likelihood of disputes and supports consistent care aligned with the family’s values. It also helps ensure that resources are available to meet long-term needs without creating added stress for the appointed caregiver.
When children or dependents will rely on substantial assets, retirement plan benefits, or continuing financial support, a comprehensive approach ensures funds are managed responsibly for their benefit. Strategies might include establishing trusts, naming trustees, coordinating beneficiary designations, and creating plans for distribution aligned with guardianship arrangements. These measures preserve resources for the dependent while providing appointed caregivers the authority and structure they need to manage funds appropriately. A cohesive plan also reduces the chances of mismanagement or disputes over the funds intended for the dependent’s care.
A comprehensive estate plan that integrates guardianship nominations with trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives offers families a coordinated framework for both custody and financial care. This integration reduces gaps between who cares for the child and how the child’s needs are funded. It also creates clearer pathways for decision-making and access to resources. For parents in Newark and Alameda County, aligning these documents enhances consistency and reduces the need for multiple court interventions, ultimately preserving family stability and protecting the dependent’s welfare over time.
In addition to improved coordination, a comprehensive plan provides flexibility through designations such as primary and alternate guardians and trust arrangements for ongoing support. The plan can accommodate specific directives about education, religious upbringing, and medical care, while financial instruments ensure funds are used for the dependent’s benefit. This layered approach also helps ensure that unexpected changes, like relocation or a guardian’s inability to serve, are anticipated and managed through predesignated alternatives, minimizing disruption to the dependent’s life and reducing uncertainty for the family.
One of the main advantages of a comprehensive approach is the continuity of care it provides. By coordinating guardianship nominations with financial arrangements and healthcare directives, parents can minimize the transitions a child experiences during an already difficult time. Clear documentation reduces delays in accessing resources and empowers appointed caregivers to make necessary decisions promptly. This integrated planning supports a stable living environment and consistent decision-making, which are important for a child’s emotional and physical well-being while the family navigates legal and administrative steps.
A coordinated estate plan protects financial resources intended for a dependent by directing assets into trusts or designated accounts and by appointing responsible managers for those funds. This protection helps ensure that money set aside for the child’s education, healthcare, and daily needs is preserved and disbursed according to the parent’s wishes. With clear financial structures in place, guardians can focus on caregiving while trustees or accounts provide the funds necessary for the child’s welfare, reducing the likelihood of disputes and ensuring that resources are used as intended over the long term.
Talking with potential guardians before naming them helps ensure they understand the responsibilities and are willing to accept the role if called upon. Open conversations allow you to address practical matters such as living arrangements, schooling, medical care, and financial expectations, which can prevent surprises and reduce conflict later. This dialogue also gives an opportunity to confirm whether the person lives near supportive family and whether they can coordinate with your chosen financial arrangements. Clear communication sets realistic expectations and helps you select nominees who align with your family’s values and plans.
Life changes such as moves, births, deaths, or changes in a nominee’s circumstances can affect who is best positioned to serve as guardian. Regularly reviewing nominations ensures they reflect current realities and continue to meet your family’s needs. Updates should be made whenever significant family or financial events occur, and you should notify nominated guardians of any changes so they can plan accordingly. Keeping documents current reduces the risk of disputes and ensures that the court sees up-to-date evidence of your preferences in the event guardianship is needed.
Planning guardianship nominations now gives parents and caregivers peace of mind, provides clear direction to loved ones, and helps protect the wellbeing of minor children or dependents. Early planning reduces stress during emergencies, ensures that a trusted person is identified to care for dependents, and aligns custody decisions with financial planning tools to support ongoing care. Taking action today also reduces the likelihood of disputes among family members and speeds up the legal processes that follow incapacity or death, all of which help ensure dependents are cared for according to your wishes.
In addition to immediate family benefits, timely planning helps preserve assets for the dependent’s future needs by coordinating guardianship nominations with trusts or designated accounts. This planning can address special circumstances such as medical conditions, educational needs, or preferences for religious upbringing, and it creates a roadmap for caregivers and financial managers to follow. Preparing documents in advance also allows time to discuss responsibilities with nominated guardians and to make adjustments as life circumstances change, ensuring a smoother transition if the need arises.
Guardianship nominations are often required when parents anticipate scenarios like unexpected illness, long-term incapacity, or untimely death where minors or dependent adults need a reliable caregiver. Other common circumstances include complex family dynamics such as divorced or blended families, overseas work assignments, or when a child has special medical or developmental needs that require continued coordinated care. Nomination documents clarify parents’ preferences in these circumstances and provide a clear starting point for courts and family members tasked with ensuring the dependent’s best interests are met.
When parents face military service or work-related travel that could last for extended periods, naming a guardian ensures children have a clear caregiving plan in case of emergency. A formal nomination gives the court and caregivers guidance about who should take primary responsibility for a child’s day-to-day needs and long-term decisions. This planning should include not only the nomination but also arrangements for financial support and access to medical records and school information so that the nominated guardian can step in smoothly and with the necessary legal and practical resources.
Single parents benefit from naming a guardian to reduce ambiguity and to ensure a trusted person will care for their children in the event of incapacity or death. A nomination paired with financial planning helps protect the child’s future needs and reduces pressure on surviving family members to make difficult decisions without guidance. Single parents should consider naming alternates and documenting preferences about education, health care, and religious upbringing so that the appointed guardian understands the parents’ priorities and can provide consistent care aligned with the family’s values.
Families of children with special needs require careful coordination between guardianship nominations and long-term financial and care arrangements to preserve benefits and ensure continuity of specialized support. Nominations should address who will manage medical appointments, therapies, and education plans, and financial planning can include trusts designed to supplement benefits without jeopardizing eligibility. Clear instructions and coordinated documents help appointed caregivers navigate the systems that support the child and maintain stability through transitions, while also ensuring that the child’s ongoing needs remain at the center of decision-making.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides guardianship nomination services to families in Newark, Alameda County, and throughout California. We assist clients in drafting nominations, coordinating trusts and pour-over wills, and preparing powers of attorney and healthcare directives that complement custody plans. Our approach focuses on practical solutions tailored to each family’s circumstances, ensuring that nominated guardians have the documentation and guidance they need. We also help families review and update existing documents so that nominations remain aligned with current family situations and the client’s overall estate plan.
Families turn to the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman for careful, locally informed guidance in guardianship and estate planning because we combine practical planning with knowledge of California procedures. We work to translate client priorities into clear, coordinated documents that address custody, financial support, and healthcare directions. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty for families by drafting nominations and related instruments that facilitate timely decisions and protect a dependent’s needs, while keeping communication straightforward and accessible throughout the planning process.
Our process prioritizes clarity and coordination across documents so that guardianship nominations, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney work together. We assist in selecting suitable guardians, preparing pour-over wills and trust arrangements where appropriate, and advising on strategies to preserve benefits and manage assets for a dependent’s benefit. Families receive guidance about practical implications of different choices and help ensuring that legal steps are taken to minimize potential delays or disputes when the time comes to implement guardianship arrangements.
We also emphasize routine document review and updates to reflect life changes such as births, relocations, and evolving family circumstances. Keeping nominations current is important to ensure that the most appropriate individuals are identified to care for minors or dependents, and that financial arrangements remain aligned with the family’s wishes. Regular review helps prevent unintended consequences and ensures the plan stays effective over time in meeting the dependent’s needs and preserving family priorities.
Our process begins with a detailed conversation to understand your family structure, goals for care, and any special needs or financial considerations. We then recommend a coordinated plan that may include nominations in a will, trust arrangements, and supporting documents like powers of attorney and health care directives. After drafting, we review the documents with you, suggest any needed updates, and assist with executing the materials in accordance with California formalities. Finally, we advise on maintaining and periodically reviewing documents so nominations remain current and effective.
During the initial meeting, we collect information about family dynamics, potential guardians, the dependent’s needs, and financial resources available for the child or dependent’s care. This stage helps identify whether a simple nomination is sufficient or if trusts and other tools are advisable to protect long-term welfare. We gather details about current assets, beneficiary designations, and any public benefits to assess how financial arrangements should be structured. This information provides the basis for a plan tailored to the family’s unique situation under California law.
We help clients articulate their preferences for guardianship, including primary and alternate nominees, considerations for co-guardianship, and practical expectations about living arrangements, education, and healthcare. This conversation surfaces values and priorities that we then translate into clear language for legal documents. We also encourage discussing preferences with nominated individuals so they understand the responsibilities involved. Documenting these priorities reduces ambiguity and supports faster, more effective implementation if the need for guardianship arises.
We evaluate how financial resources will support the dependent, looking at options such as trusts, designated accounts, beneficiary designations, and coordination with public benefits. Our goal is to recommend structures that provide needed funds while protecting eligibility for benefits when applicable. We explain how different tools function together and identify arrangements that best preserve resources for the dependent’s long-term needs. Clear financial planning helps ensure that nominated guardians can focus on caregiving while funds are managed according to the family’s intentions.
After gathering the necessary information, we draft guardianship nominations and any accompanying instruments, such as pour-over wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. The drafting stage emphasizes coherence across documents so that custody preferences and financial arrangements align. We prepare clear, legally sound language to express your wishes and review the drafts with you to ensure accuracy. This step also includes advising on the execution process to ensure documents are valid under California law and ready to be relied upon when needed.
We prepare will provisions or separate statutory forms that formally state your guardian nominations and alternates, along with any specific instructions related to custody and care. These provisions are drafted to work smoothly with any trust or financial arrangements, avoiding language that could create ambiguity. We explain how the nomination will function in court and how naming alternates can provide backup options. Clear drafting helps ensure your preferences are presented effectively to the court and family members.
When financial support beyond immediate caregiving is necessary, we draft trusts or custodial arrangements tailored to the dependent’s needs, including terms that reflect your priorities for distributions, education, and healthcare. Trusts can protect assets and provide structured distributions while coordinating with guardianship arrangements. We help set trustee roles, powers, and distribution policies that avoid conflicts with public benefits where applicable. These financial instruments aim to preserve funds for the dependent’s long-term welfare and to provide practical resources to the appointed caregiver.
Once documents are executed, we recommend storing originals securely, providing copies to nominated guardians, and scheduling regular reviews or updates to reflect changes in family structure, assets, or applicable laws. Ongoing maintenance is important to ensure that nominations remain valid and that financial arrangements continue to meet the dependent’s needs. We offer guidance on trigger events that should prompt a review and help clients update documents as needed so that the plan remains current and functional throughout life’s changes.
Proper storage and clear communication are essential after documents are signed. We advise families on how to keep originals safe, provide copies to named guardians and trustees, and maintain a list of professionals who may need access. Informing nominated guardians about their role and location of documents promotes preparedness. Clear record-keeping reduces delays when the documents must be used and helps appointed caregivers and family members quickly find the information and authority necessary to carry out your wishes efficiently.
We recommend periodic reviews, particularly after major life events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, relocations, or major changes in financial circumstances. Reviewing documents ensures nominations remain appropriate and that financial arrangements still meet the dependent’s needs. Updates may include changing nominees, adjusting trust terms, or modifying beneficiary designations. Regular attention to these documents prevents outdated plans from creating confusion and ensures that the guardian named today is still the best choice for the future.
A guardianship nomination is your stated preference for who should care for your minor children or dependents, typically included in a will or separate form. The nomination guides the court but does not automatically appoint someone; a judge evaluates the nomination alongside other evidence to determine what is in the dependent’s best interest before making a formal appointment. This process helps ensure that custody and caregiving decisions serve the child’s welfare and that the court has the authority to act if conflicts or concerns arise. By contrast, a court-appointed guardian is the person the court officially designates after reviewing the evidence and considering the child’s needs. Even when a nomination is present, the court retains discretion to appoint a different person if circumstances require it. Therefore, it is helpful to document compelling reasons for your choice and to coordinate financial and legal arrangements so a nominated guardian can demonstrate readiness to provide stable care if the court is asked to approve the appointment.
Yes, you can name a primary guardian and one or more alternates to serve if the primary nominee is unable or unwilling to act. Naming alternates provides redundancy and reduces uncertainty by presenting the court with a list of preferred caregivers who have been considered in advance. This ordered approach helps ensure continuity of care if circumstances change and gives the court clear guidance regarding whom you trust to care for your children under different contingencies. When naming multiple individuals, consider how potential co-guardians would share responsibilities and whether the arrangement aligns with your child’s needs. It is beneficial to discuss your intentions with nominees so they understand the commitment. Clear documentation of alternates and preferences helps prevent disputes and supports faster transitions, allowing the appointed guardian to focus on providing consistent care while trustees or financial managers handle monetary support.
Guardianship nominations address who will make daily and long-term caregiving decisions for minors, while trusts and pour-over wills address how assets should be managed and distributed for the children’s benefit. A pour-over will transfers assets to a trust upon death, ensuring funds are available to support the dependent. Effective planning coordinates nominations with these financial tools so custody and monetary support are aligned, reducing the risk of gaps between who cares for a child and who manages the child’s resources. Coordinating these documents involves naming trustees or creating custodial accounts that work alongside guardianship arrangements. A trust can provide structured financial support while preserving eligibility for public benefits when applicable. Clear instructions about the relationship between guardians and trustees help ensure that caregiving and financial decision-making are consistent with the parent’s intentions and the dependent’s needs.
When choosing whom to nominate as a guardian, consider practical factors such as the person’s willingness to serve, their location relative to the child’s school and support network, lifestyle, and parenting approach. Also evaluate their ability to handle medical, educational, and financial coordination, and whether they have the support of family and community to help provide stable care. It is important to consider how well the nominee’s values and routines align with your child’s needs and upbringing preferences. Additionally, discuss the role with the prospective guardian to confirm their willingness and to explain expectations. Naming alternates is prudent in case circumstances change. Coordinating nominations with financial arrangements, such as trusts or custodial accounts, ensures the guardian has access to necessary resources to carry out care responsibilities effectively while preserving the dependent’s long-term interests.
Guardianship nominations do not take effect automatically simply because they are signed; they express your preference to the court and become relevant if the court must appoint a guardian due to incapacity or death. After your passing or incapacitation, the nominated individual may petition the court to be appointed. The court then reviews the nomination and other relevant factors before making an appointment. Properly executed nominations, accompanied by supporting documents, make it easier for the court to honor your wishes when appropriate. It is also important to have supporting documents in place, such as trusts or financial arrangements, so the appointed guardian can access resources for the dependent’s care. Clear communication with nominated guardians about the plan and the location of documents helps ensure a faster transition. Regular review and proper execution according to California law make nominations more effective when the time comes to implement them.
It is recommended to review guardianship nominations periodically and whenever significant life events occur, such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, relocations, or major changes in financial circumstances. These events can change who is best suited to serve or how financial support should be structured. Regular reviews help ensure that nominations reflect current realities and that alternate guardians and financial arrangements remain appropriate for the dependent’s needs. Updating nominations when circumstances change reduces the risk of disputes and ensures that the court receives up-to-date information about your preferences. It is also wise to communicate changes to nominated guardians and trustees so they are prepared to assume responsibilities if necessary. Routine maintenance of your estate plan keeps all documents aligned and effective over time.
A guardian’s authority to manage a child’s inherited assets is limited; typically, parents should plan how assets will be managed by setting up trusts or naming trustees rather than relying on a guardian to handle significant funds. Trusts and custodial accounts can designate someone to manage money for the child’s benefit while protecting the assets and ensuring distributions are made according to your instructions. This separation allows the guardian to focus on caregiving while a trustee or financial manager handles the financial resources responsibly. When substantial assets are involved, creating a trust with clear distribution terms and a trusted trustee is often the most effective approach. This arrangement helps preserve funds for long-term needs while reducing the potential for misuse. Coordination between the guardian and trustee ensures that the child’s day-to-day needs are met and that financial decisions are made in alignment with the parent’s intentions and the child’s best interests.
If no guardian is named, the court will appoint a guardian based on what it determines to be in the child’s best interest. This process can be time-consuming and may involve conflicting petitions from family members, which can add uncertainty and stress at an already difficult time. Without a clear nomination, loved ones may disagree about who should care for the child, potentially leading to contested proceedings and delays before a stable caregiving arrangement is established. By naming guardians and alternates, parents provide the court with clear guidance that often reduces disputes and speeds the appointment process. Even when circumstances change, a documented nomination clarifies parental intent and supports the court’s decision-making. Including coordinated financial and healthcare instructions further simplifies the transition and helps ensure that the child’s needs are addressed promptly and consistently.
When children have disabilities or special needs, careful coordination between guardianship nominations and financial planning is particularly important. Trusts designed for special needs can provide supplemental support without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits, and nominations should clarify who will manage medical and therapeutic care. Documenting specific care needs, therapy plans, and benefit coordination helps nominated guardians understand responsibilities and access necessary resources to sustain the child’s quality of life. Families should consider naming guardians with experience interacting with medical and educational systems and ensure trustees understand how to coordinate benefits and supplemental support. Regular reviews are essential to keep plans aligned with changing needs and benefits. Clear instructions and coordinated documents reduce stress on caregivers and help safeguard the child’s long-term welfare and access to services.
To ensure a nominated guardian can access medical and school records, provide clearly executed authorizations and maintain copies of healthcare directives and school forms authorizing release of information. Advance health care directives and HIPAA authorizations allow designated individuals to obtain medical information and make decisions on behalf of the dependent when needed. For school records, signed release forms and written notification to the school district help the guardian obtain necessary information related to education and support services. It is also helpful to keep a folder of important contacts, medical providers, medication lists, and IEP or 504 plans where applicable. Sharing this information with the nominated guardian and storing documents in an accessible location speeds access when the guardian assumes responsibility. Proper documentation and communication ensure the guardian can make timely, informed decisions regarding the child’s health and education.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas