Guardianship nominations are an important part of a comprehensive estate plan for parents and caregivers in Oakhurst and throughout Madera County. Naming one or more preferred guardians for minor children or dependents ensures that your wishes are clear if you become unable to care for them. This introduction explains why putting nominations in writing, coordinating them with trusts and wills, and documenting your reasons can make transitions easier for your family. The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides focused estate planning services designed to help families identify appropriate guardians and integrate those nominations into a practical plan for the future.
Making thoughtful guardianship nominations brings peace of mind and practical direction for those you leave behind. Beyond simply naming a person, effective nominations consider the guardian’s ability to provide stable housing, manage finances for a minor, and honor your values and parenting preferences. Guardianship nominations often work together with instruments such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and health care directives to protect minor children and vulnerable adults. We emphasize clear documentation and coordination with broader estate documents so your choices are enforceable, recognizable by courts, and easy for family members to follow in a time of stress.
Guardianship nominations reduce uncertainty by naming who should care for your minor children or dependents if you cannot. When nominations are included in an estate plan, they help avoid family conflict, speed up court processes if formal appointment becomes necessary, and provide a clear statement of parental intent to judges and family members. Effective nominations also allow you to select a guardian aligned with your values, address financial arrangements through trusts or assignments, and ensure continuity of care. Naming alternates and documenting your preferences for education, health care, and religious upbringing helps the named guardian follow your wishes with confidence.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides personalized estate planning services from a San Jose-based practice serving Oakhurst and surrounding communities. Our approach focuses on understanding your family circumstances and drafting nomination provisions that integrate with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. We work with clients to explore options like financial arrangements for a guardian, trust funding to support a minor, and contingency planning in case a primary nominee is unable to serve. We prioritize clear communication, careful drafting, and practical advice to make sure nominations are durable, understandable, and align with California probate and family law principles.
Guardianship nominations are formal statements within estate documents that indicate who a parent or caregiver prefers to serve as guardian for a minor or incapacitated person. In California, courts make the final guardianship appointment, but a clear nomination in a will or related document provides strong guidance for the judge and reduces ambiguity. Nominations can also name alternates and outline preferences for living arrangements, education, and medical care. Integrating nominations with financial tools like trusts ensures resources are available to the appointed guardian for child care and expenses. Proper drafting helps nominations withstand legal scrutiny and reduces the chance of disputes among family members.
When preparing nominations, families should consider more than a name on paper. It is important to evaluate a nominee’s willingness, availability, geographical location, and ability to provide emotional and financial stability. Guardianship nominations are most effective when paired with supporting documents such as a pour-over will, trust funding instructions, and authorization for health care decision-making. Regular review of nominations is also important after major life events like relocation, changes in family structure, or shifting financial circumstances. Keeping nominations updated and discussed openly with potential guardians helps ensure a smooth transition if the need arises.
A guardianship nomination is a written declaration naming one or more people you prefer to raise your children or care for a dependent if you are unable to do so. While the family court has authority to appoint a guardian, a nomination in a will or similar estate document is one of the primary sources the court will consult when determining parental intent. The nomination can specify alternates and include guidance on living arrangements, schooling, and religious upbringing. Having a nomination reduces ambiguity, helps family members follow your wishes, and provides the court with a clear expression of your preferences at a difficult time.
Effective nominations typically include the name of a primary guardian, one or more alternate nominees, specific instructions or preferences for care, and coordination with financial arrangements such as trusts or accounts set aside to support a minor. The nomination should be clearly signed, dated, and included in a will or trust document so courts can easily find and rely on it. Other important steps include discussing the nomination with the proposed guardian, verifying their willingness to serve, and ensuring that supporting documents like powers of attorney and health care directives are aligned. Regular review and updates reflect changes in family circumstances and help maintain the nomination’s relevance.
Understanding common terms helps you make informed decisions about nominations. This glossary explains concepts like nomination, guardian of the person, guardian of the estate, pour-over will, and trust funding. Knowing the difference between a nomination in a will and a formal guardianship appointment by the court clarifies what to expect during probate or guardianship proceedings. Familiarity with these terms helps you work with your attorney to prepare documents that the court can rely on and that will reduce the burden on your family when difficult decisions must be made.
A nomination is a written designation found in a will or other estate document that names a preferred person or persons to serve as guardian for a minor or incapacitated person. While the court has authority to appoint a guardian, a nomination provides the judge with evidence of the parent or maker’s preferences. A nomination may include alternates and can be accompanied by caregiving preferences. Including a nomination in a well-drafted estate plan increases the likelihood that the court will honor the parent’s stated wishes, provided the nominee is suitable and willing to serve.
A guardian of the estate is the person appointed or designated to manage the financial affairs and property of a minor or incapacitated person. This role is distinct from the guardian of the person, who cares for daily living and personal decisions. Guardianship of the estate may be necessary when assets are available to support the dependent’s care, and it can be coordinated with trusts or court-supervised accounts. Proper estate planning can assign management responsibilities or establish trusteeships to reduce court involvement and provide professional oversight for the dependent’s financial needs.
A guardian of the person is responsible for day-to-day decisions about a minor or an incapacitated adult’s care, including housing, schooling, medical treatment, and daily routines. Parents often use nominations to indicate who they prefer to make these personal decisions on behalf of their children if the parents are unable to do so. The court evaluates nominations against the best interests of the child or dependent and considers factors such as the nominee’s relationship to the child, moral fitness, and ability to provide a stable environment. Guardianship nominations clarify these preferences for the court and the family.
A pour-over will is an estate planning document used in conjunction with a trust to transfer any assets not already placed into the trust at the time of death into the trust for distribution according to its terms. For guardianship nominations, a pour-over will can include a nomination clause that expresses parental preferences for guardianship. While a pour-over will does not avoid probate by itself, it ensures that assets are ultimately managed under the trust, which may provide ongoing financial support to a guardian caring for a minor or dependent after a guardian appointment.
Families considering guardianship nominations often weigh a limited approach against a comprehensive planning strategy. A limited approach might only name a preferred guardian in a will without addressing funding or contingency plans. A comprehensive approach coordinates nominations with trusts, financial assignments, healthcare directives, and detailed caregiving instructions. While a limited approach can be faster to prepare and less costly up front, a comprehensive plan better prepares a family for practical realities such as ongoing childcare expenses, transitions in guardianship, and court review. The right choice depends on your family’s needs, assets, and tolerance for future uncertainty.
A limited approach to nominations can be appropriate when a family’s financial situation is straightforward and immediate childcare needs are the primary concern. If assets are minimal and the nominated guardian can manage on their own or through existing resources, a simple nomination in a will may offer sufficient guidance to the court and family. This approach requires clear naming of a guardian and alternates, plus communication with the chosen persons about their willingness to serve. Routine updates are recommended to reflect changes in relationships or circumstances over time.
A limited nomination approach can also be effective when there is strong family agreement about who should serve as guardian and when the nominated person has the resources and location to provide stable care. If family members are already aligned about caregiving arrangements and the appointment is unlikely to be contested, a clear nomination may suffice. Even in these cases, documenting financial plans, medical authorizations, and preferences for parenting helps ease administrative challenges and prepares the nominated guardian to act quickly when necessary.
A comprehensive plan ensures that funds and property are available to support a minor or dependent under a guardianship appointment. This may include creating a revocable living trust, establishing a testamentary trust, or designating a general assignment of assets to a trust that will provide resources for the guardian to manage. Proper planning helps avoid delays in funding a guardian’s duties, reduces the need for court supervision of assets, and ensures that financial decisions align with the wishes of the parent. Clear funding mechanisms make guardianship transitions smoother and protect the dependent’s long-term needs.
Comprehensive planning is especially valuable in families with blended households, special needs dependents, or significant assets requiring careful management. Detailed nominations paired with trust provisions, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney allow parents to direct both personal care and financial stewardship in ways that account for ongoing family dynamics. A thorough plan also considers succession of guardians, appointment of trustees to manage money, and instructions for educational or medical choices. These additional measures reduce the potential for disputes and provide a structured framework for long-term caregiving.
A comprehensive approach offers several practical benefits for families planning guardianship nominations. Integrating nominations with trusts and other estate instruments ensures financial resources are aligned with guardianship responsibilities. It provides clarity to courts and family members, reduces administrative burdens on the appointed guardian, and can prevent lengthy legal disputes. Comprehensive planning also enables parents to set conditions or preferences, designate alternates, and provide for ongoing oversight of assets when necessary. Altogether, this approach helps ensure continuity of care and financial stability for minors or dependents after a parent’s incapacity or death.
Comprehensive planning supports a guardian’s ability to act quickly and effectively by creating clear legal authority and financial resources. Establishing a trust or funding account for a minor provides an orderly way to handle education, medical care, and general living expenses. Documenting preferences around upbringing and health care minimizes ambiguity and helps the nominated guardian carry out your intentions. When documents are coordinated and accessible, families can focus on recovery and adjustment rather than navigating probate or guardianship proceedings under stress.
One major benefit of a comprehensive plan is ensuring continued financial protection for children and dependents. By naming guardians and establishing trusts or financial accounts, parents can create a reliable funding source for living expenses, education, and health needs. This reduces the burden on a guardian who might otherwise struggle to manage assets or seek court approval for expenditures. A well-constructed financial plan preserves assets for the intended recipient and provides guidance on how funds should be used for the dependent’s welfare.
A comprehensive approach reduces family conflict by clearly documenting your preferences and the steps to implement them. By naming primary and alternate guardians and aligning financial and medical directives, the plan creates a straightforward path for decision-making. Courts are more likely to follow a well-documented nomination backed by coordinated estate instruments, and family members receive clarity about the parent’s intentions. This reduces the emotional and legal strain on loved ones during what can be a difficult transition period.
Before naming anyone in your documents, have a candid conversation with prospective guardians to confirm their willingness and ability to serve. Discuss living arrangements, educational priorities, religious or cultural preferences, and expectations about financial support. Ensuring the nominee understands the potential responsibilities avoids surprises and prevents a nominee from declining when the time comes. It also gives you the chance to explore alternates and to discuss how financial arrangements like trusts or lump sum payments might support the guardian’s role. Clear communication reduces stress for everyone involved at the time of need.
Documenting preferences for education, medical care, and daily living helps a guardian honor your values. Keep these instructions in accessible documents alongside nominations and let family members know where they are stored. Review nominations after major life changes such as moves, marriage, divorce, or a nominee’s change in health or finances. Regular reviews ensure your nominations remain practical and that alternate nominees remain appropriate. Keeping documents current and communicating with nominated guardians reduces uncertainty and preserves the parent’s intent over time.
Including guardianship nominations helps parents and caregivers ensure that their children or dependents are cared for according to their wishes if the unexpected happens. Nominations provide the court with a clear statement of parental intent, which can speed the appointment process and reduce the likelihood of disputes. When paired with financial planning, nominations ensure that the appointed guardian has access to funds needed for daily living and long-term needs. Most importantly, nominations help maintain stability for children by identifying trusted caregivers who understand your parenting values and intentions for their upbringing.
Another important reason to consider nominations is the relief they provide to family members during a difficult time. Clear nominations reduce the emotional burden on relatives who might otherwise disagree about who should care for a child or dependent. By identifying alternates and expressing preferences for medical care and schooling, your plan provides practical guidance that supports a smoother transition. For families with blended relationships or special needs dependents, nominations combined with tailored financial arrangements and medical directives can provide structured, ongoing support for the appointed guardian and the dependent’s needs.
Guardianship nominations become important in various scenarios, including the unexpected death or incapacity of parents, long-term disability, or family circumstances where immediate caregiving decisions are needed. Families with young children, single parents, or parents who travel frequently benefit from clear nominations to prevent temporary or long-term gaps in care. Guardianship planning is also vital for families with special needs dependents who require ongoing medical or educational support. Having nominations and supporting documents ready helps ensure continuity of care and avoids the need for emergency decisions that may not reflect your wishes.
When a parent becomes incapacitated or dies unexpectedly, immediate decisions are needed about who will care for minor children. A guardianship nomination provides a preferred course of action for the court and family, minimizing delay and reducing the likelihood of dispute. It also allows for financial provisions to be implemented for the children’s support. Ensuring that nominations and related estate planning documents are in order before an emergency arises gives parents confidence that their children will be cared for according to their values and priorities.
Single parents and those who travel frequently have heightened need for clear nominations. In these circumstances, naming a vetted caregiver and documenting expectations for daily routines, schooling, and medical decisions prevents confusion and supports continuity of care. Travel increases the possibility of an emergency requiring immediate guardianship decisions, so having nominations in place ensures that temporary or permanent arrangements happen according to the parent’s guidance. Regular review is important as circumstances evolve and potential nominees’ availability changes.
Families caring for dependents with special needs should prioritize nominations and coordinated financial planning to preserve eligibility for public benefits and provide long-term care. Guardianship nominations combined with trusts, such as a special needs trust, and careful funding instructions help manage benefits, avoid disruptions, and set aside resources for supplemental needs. Naming a guardian who understands the dependent’s medical, educational, and social needs is particularly important. Planning in advance reduces the risk of abrupt disruptions and ensures continuity of care tailored to the dependent’s requirements.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman offers guardianship nomination services for families in Oakhurst and the surrounding areas of Madera County. We assist in drafting nomination clauses, coordinating trusts and pour-over wills, and setting up financial arrangements tailored to support a guardian and dependent. Our team helps clients evaluate potential nominees, document caregiving preferences, and prepare complementary instruments like powers of attorney and advance health care directives. We aim to make the process straightforward and to create reliable documents that family members and courts can follow when decisions must be made.
Families choose our firm for guardian nomination planning because we provide thoughtful, practical assistance that focuses on realistic outcomes for children and dependents. We take time to learn about your family dynamics and design nomination language that is clear, legally sound, and coordinated with financial and medical documents. Our process includes discussing alternate nominees, funding strategies, and the logistics a guardian would face. This client-centered approach helps ensure nominations are workable for those who will step into the caregiving role and that documents reflect your priorities and practical needs.
Our practice integrates nomination drafting with complementary estate planning tools so families receive a complete plan rather than isolated documents. We draft pour-over wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives that align with the nominations and provide the resources a guardian may need. This coordination reduces the potential for confusion and improves the likelihood that courts will follow your stated preferences. We also advise on funding choices and trust provisions that secure financial resources for a guardian’s use without disrupting public benefits when applicable.
Communication and accessibility are part of our service. We explain options in plain language, provide practical timelines for document preparation, and help you complete needed updates after life changes. Our goal is to produce nomination documents that are straightforward to implement and understandable to family members and fiduciaries. Clients receive guidance on discussing nominations with potential guardians and managing document storage so the right people know where to find essential papers if they are needed.
Our legal process begins with a focused consultation to understand family structure, financial resources, and caregiving preferences. We then advise on appropriate nomination language and coordinate necessary supporting documents such as trusts, pour-over wills, and health care directives. Drafts are reviewed with clients and adjusted to reflect changes in circumstances or additional preferences. We also offer guidance on how to present nominations to potential guardians and store documents for easy access. Our objective is to provide clear, enforceable nominations and an integrated plan that supports a seamless guardianship transition if needed.
The first step focuses on gathering information about your family, assets, and priorities for care. We discuss potential nominees, alternate guardians, living arrangements, and any special considerations such as medical needs or public benefits. Understanding financial resources helps us recommend appropriate funding mechanisms like trusts, assignments to trust, or designation of custodial accounts to support your chosen guardian. This stage also addresses how your nomination will interact with existing documents and what updates may be necessary to make the plan coherent and practical for future implementation.
We guide you through evaluating potential guardians for their ability to meet the child’s or dependent’s needs. This includes location, family stability, willingness to serve, and capacity to manage daily care. We encourage conversations with prospective guardians to confirm their commitment and to discuss expectations around medical decisions, schooling, and lifestyle. These discussions reduce the risk that a nominee will decline later and give you the opportunity to name practical alternates. Our role is to help you articulate nomination language that reflects those practical considerations and parental preferences.
During the initial assessment we identify financial resources and healthcare priorities that affect guardianship planning. This may involve discussing trusts, bank accounts, insurance proceeds, and potential benefit eligibility. We recommend instruments like powers of attorney and advance health care directives to ensure caregivers have legal authority when needed. For dependents with special needs, planning may include trusts designed to preserve benefit eligibility while providing supplemental support. Early identification of these matters allows us to draft nominations that are supported by clear funding and medical decision-making plans.
In the second step we draft nomination language and related estate planning documents that work together to support a guardian’s role. This can include a pour-over will, trust provisions, a general assignment of assets to trust, and health care directives. Drafting focuses on clarity and accessibility so courts and family members can easily find and understand your wishes. We also prepare instructions for funding trusts and arranging financial mechanisms so that appointed guardians have timely access to needed resources. Coordination between documents is a priority to avoid conflicting provisions.
We prepare nomination clauses that name primary and alternate guardians and include practical guidance for the court. Language is tailored to reflect your preferences about upbringing, schooling, and medical care while remaining flexible enough for the court to act in the child’s best interest. Including alternates reduces the risk of delay if a nominee is unable to serve. Clear, well-placed nomination language in a will or trust document improves the court’s ability to determine parental intent swiftly and with minimal dispute among relatives.
Trust drafting and funding instructions ensure that assets needed for a dependent’s care are preserved and available to the guardian or trustee. We help create revocable living trusts, testamentary trusts, and other arrangements such as irrevocable life insurance trusts or retirement plan trusts when appropriate. Funding instructions outline how and when funds should be transferred or accessed. These measures support continuity of care and reduce the need for intrusive court oversight over the guardian’s management of resources.
The final step includes reviewing all documents with you, executing them according to California legal formalities, and discussing storage and access. We recommend informing nominated guardians and family members where documents are maintained and providing copies as appropriate. Post-execution, we advise periodic reviews and updates when major life events occur, such as changes in family, finances, or health. Routine maintenance ensures nominations remain current and effective, preserving the plan’s intent and practical utility for the future.
Proper execution involves signing documents in accordance with California law, including witness and notary requirements when applicable. After signatures, we advise on secure storage and sharing plans so nominated guardians and key family members can access documents when necessary. Maintaining an organized file with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives reduces delays during emergency situations. We also provide guidance on how to communicate with trustees and guardians to confirm their understanding of the plan and their practical readiness to act if called upon.
A guardianship nomination should be reviewed periodically and after major life events like births, deaths, marriages, moves, or changes in a nominee’s circumstances. We recommend scheduling reviews to ensure nomination language and funding arrangements remain appropriate. Updates avoid outdated instructions that could create confusion or disputes. Our team helps clients make timely amendments, restatements, or supplemental documents so the plan stays aligned with current family dynamics and legal developments, keeping the nomination ready and reliable for future needs.
A guardianship nomination in a will expresses the parent’s preference for who should care for a minor if the parent is unable to act. While the court has statutory authority to appoint a guardian, it routinely considers a clear nomination as strong evidence of parental intent. Including a nomination makes it easier for judges to understand who the parent wanted to serve and may streamline the appointment process. However, the court’s primary duty is to select someone who meets the child’s best interests, so suitability and availability of the nominee are important factors. To maximize the nomination’s practical effect, include alternate nominees and coordinate the nomination with funding mechanisms such as trusts or pour-over wills. This helps ensure resources are available to a guardian and reduces delays. Discussing the nomination with the chosen individuals and documenting the nomination where courts can find it increases the likelihood that your wishes will be followed. Regular review keeps the nomination up to date with life changes that might affect a nominee’s ability to serve.
Choosing the right guardian should focus on who can provide a stable, loving environment for your children and carry out your parenting preferences. Consider factors such as geographic location, family composition, health, willingness to serve, parenting style, and relationship with your children. It is beneficial to have candid conversations with potential guardians so they understand the responsibilities and confirm their willingness. Selecting alternates ensures continuity if the primary nominee cannot serve when the time comes. Evaluation should also include practical considerations such as financial capacity and ability to manage daily routines. Coordinating a nominee with a trust or financial arrangements helps a guardian avoid undue financial strain. Discuss preferences for schooling, religious upbringing, and medical decision-making with the potential guardian to ensure alignment. Clear, written instructions provide guidance and reduce misinterpretation at a stressful time.
Yes, you can name multiple nominees, including primary and alternate guardians, and it is generally recommended to do so. Naming alternates provides a fallback if the primary nominee is unwilling or unavailable to serve. The nomination should be explicit about the order of preference and whether nominees may serve jointly or only individually. Clear language reduces ambiguity and assists the court when making an appointment. Including more than one nominee is especially helpful in families where circumstances can change, such as relocations or health developments. It is wise to discuss your intentions with the named individuals so they are prepared to act if needed. Coordinating alternates with financial and legal documents strengthens the overall plan and helps ensure a smooth transition in caregiving responsibilities.
Trusts and guardianship nominations work together by separating the roles of personal care and financial management. While a guardian of the person handles daily decisions, a trust or trustee can manage assets for a minor’s benefit. This arrangement keeps financial management organized and can protect assets from misuse or court oversight. Funding a trust through a pour-over will or other mechanisms creates a reliable source of support for the child under the guardian’s care. A properly drafted trust can also preserve eligibility for public benefits for dependents with special needs while providing supplemental support. It can outline how funds are used for education, healthcare, housing, and general welfare. This coordination reduces the administrative burden on a guardian and provides a clear structure for long-term financial planning in support of the child’s well-being.
A guardianship nomination reduces the potential for dispute by documenting parental preference, but it cannot guarantee that no family disagreements will arise. Clear, well-drafted nominations and open communication with family members and the chosen guardian reduce ambiguity and present a persuasive statement of intent to the court. Preparing supporting documents like trusts and funding instructions further minimizes incentives for disputes by showing how the child will be cared for financially. Despite careful planning, contested proceedings can still occur if family members disagree or if a court believes another arrangement better serves the child’s welfare. Naming alternates and providing clear reasoning for your choices helps courts evaluate suitability. Regularly updating nominations and discussing them with relatives reduces the chance of surprise disputes and supports smoother implementation of your wishes.
Along with a guardianship nomination, it is advisable to prepare documents such as a pour-over will, revocable living trust, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. These instruments together create a coherent plan that addresses personal care, financial management, and medical decision-making. For dependents with special needs, trusts designed to preserve benefits are also important. Coordinating these documents ensures the nominated guardian has legal authority and access to resources when needed. In addition to legal documents, maintain records about your children’s routines, medical information, schooling, and contact lists for important relatives and caregivers. Preparing a concise care plan for the guardian can simplify transitions. Having a trusted attorney help organize and align these documents makes implementation more straightforward and helps courts and family members follow your intentions.
Review your guardianship nomination whenever a major life event occurs, such as a birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, or significant change in a potential nominee’s circumstances. It is also advisable to review nominations periodically to confirm they remain appropriate given evolving family dynamics and financial situations. Regular reviews keep your plan aligned with your current intentions and practical realities. Updates are particularly important if a nominated guardian moves away, becomes unable to serve, or experiences life changes that affect their availability. A dated and regularly reviewed nomination reduces the risk of ambiguity and helps ensure the court receives a clear expression of parental intent. Consulting with an attorney during these reviews makes it easier to adjust supporting documents in step with the nomination.
A court can decide not to follow a nomination if the nominated person is deemed unsuitable or unavailable to meet the child’s best interests. Factors considered include a nominee’s relationship to the child, living situation, ability to provide care, and any issues affecting fitness. While a nomination carries significant weight as evidence of parental intent, the court ultimately must select a guardian who serves the best interests of the child or dependent. To strengthen the chance that a nomination will be honored, choose willing and appropriate nominees, provide alternates, and coordinate the nomination with supporting documents and funding. Clear documentation of why a nominee is suitable, combined with evidence of their willingness to serve, helps the court understand and respect your preferences during the appointment process.
Guardianship planning for special needs dependents often requires careful coordination to preserve eligibility for public benefits while providing additional support. A special needs trust or similar arrangement can hold funds for supplemental needs without disqualifying the dependent from benefits such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income. Nominations should be aligned with these financial arrangements so that the guardian can access appropriate resources without jeopardizing benefits. Planning should address both caregiving and financial protection, naming a guardian who understands the dependent’s medical and social needs and arranging a trustee to oversee supplemental funds. Professional guidance can help craft trust provisions and distribution standards that balance benefit preservation with quality of life, ensuring long-term support tailored to the dependent’s circumstances.
Keep original documents in a secure location such as a safe deposit box, home safe, or attorney’s file, and maintain clear instructions on how to access them. Provide trusted family members, the nominated guardian, and your estate planning attorney with information about where documents are kept and who to contact in an emergency. Having multiple responsible people aware of document locations reduces delays when a guardian must be appointed quickly. It is helpful to provide copies of key documents to the nominated guardian and any trustee to facilitate immediate action if necessary. Avoid scattering important documents without a clear plan for retrieval. A well-organized and accessible document plan makes it easier for family and courts to implement your nomination and immediate care preferences when the time comes.
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