Guardianship nominations let parents and legal guardians name who should care for their minor children or dependents if they cannot. In Lincoln and throughout Placer County, thoughtful planning ensures your children are placed with people you trust and that your wishes are clear. This page describes what a guardianship nomination does, how it fits into an overall estate plan including trusts and wills, and what to expect when you prepare these documents with the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman. We aim to provide guidance so families feel confident about protecting children and vulnerable loved ones while avoiding ambiguity during difficult times.
Choosing guardianship nominees involves more than picking relatives; it requires consideration of location, values, financial capability, and willingness to take on custodial responsibilities. A nomination included in your estate plan complements documents such as a revocable living trust, pour-over will, and powers of attorney to create a cohesive plan for the future. Our approach is client-centered and practical, focusing on clear language and contingency planning to reduce disputes. This guide outlines the benefits of nominations, common scenarios where they are used, and steps you can take now to protect your family in Lincoln and across California.
A guardianship nomination provides peace of mind by expressing your preferences for who should care for your minor children or dependents if you become unable to do so. Although a nomination is not an automatic appointment by a court, it carries significant weight and reduces uncertainty for loved ones at a time of stress. It can streamline emergency decisions, reduce the potential for family disputes, and guide appointed guardians about your values and wishes. Incorporating nominations into a broader estate plan helps align custodial choices with financial arrangements and healthcare directives, making transitions smoother and preserving stability for children and dependents.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services to families throughout Lincoln and the surrounding regions. Our focus is on clear, practical planning that reflects each client’s circumstances and family dynamics. We take time to understand your priorities, whether that means naming primary and backup guardians, coordinating financial trusts to support a guardian’s care, or crafting healthcare directives that align with your values. Clients receive personalized attention and a comprehensive plan designed to reduce ambiguity and provide both short-term and long-term protection for minor children and dependent adults in California.
A guardianship nomination is a legal declaration in which a person names preferred guardians for their minor children or dependents in the event of incapacity or death. In California, nominations are typically included in a pour-over will or a standalone nomination form, and courts consider these nominations when appointing a guardian. Although courts have final authority, a clear nomination can significantly influence decisions and reduce conflict among surviving family members. Effective nominations often include alternates and specify preferences for living arrangements, education, and religious upbringing where appropriate and in line with California law.
Nominations should be coordinated with financial and healthcare planning to ensure guardians have the resources and authority needed for day-to-day care. Documents such as a revocable living trust can hold assets for children and provide funds for their care while a financial power of attorney and HIPAA authorization can enable quick access to necessary records and decisions. Regular review of nominations is important, especially after major life events such as birth, divorce, relocation, or changes in family relationships, to ensure that your stated preferences remain appropriate and feasible under current circumstances.
A guardianship nomination names an individual to take legal responsibility for a minor or incapacitated person’s personal care, including decisions about living arrangements and daily needs. This nomination is typically part of an estate plan and helps guide courts and relatives during an emotionally charged transition. It is distinct from guardianship appointments made by a probate court, but it informs the court’s decision. Effective nominations are clear, include alternates, and may be accompanied by explanatory letters that outline the nominee’s suitability and the nominator’s preferences for upbringing, education, and medical care.
Creating an effective guardianship nomination requires thoughtful selection of nominees, preparation of legal language, and coordination with supporting estate documents. Begin by identifying primary and backup nominees and discussing responsibilities with them. Draft the nomination with precise language and include it within a will or trust packet to ensure it is part of your overall estate plan. Consider financial arrangements to support guardians, and prepare letters of instruction to clarify personal wishes. Regularly review and update nominations as family circumstances change. Proper documentation and communication help prevent conflicts and make the transition easier if guardianship is ever required.
Understanding common terms can make guardianship planning less intimidating. This glossary covers practical definitions and explains how different documents interact. Knowing the difference between a nomination and a court appointment, how trusts can fund a guardian’s duties, and what powers accompany powers of attorney will help you craft a plan that protects children and dependent adults. Clear terminology aids communication with family and legal advisors, and it helps ensure that your intentions are understood and properly recorded in legally effective documents tailored to California law.
A guardianship nomination is a formal statement naming a preferred guardian for a minor child or dependent adult. It signals to a probate court who you want to care for your dependent if you are unable to do so. While not an immediate appointment, the nomination carries persuasive value in court decisions and can reduce family conflict. A thorough nomination includes alternates, specific instructions, and coordination with financial and trust arrangements to support the guardian’s role. Regular review keeps the nomination aligned with changing family dynamics and living situations.
Conservatorship and guardianship relate to care and decision-making authority, but they cover different needs. Guardianship generally refers to personal care for a minor or incapacitated adult, including decisions about living arrangements, education, and medical care. Conservatorship typically involves control over the financial affairs of an adult who cannot manage those matters themselves. Understanding the distinction helps families plan whether a nomination, trust, or other financial arrangement is most appropriate to protect both personal and financial interests under California law.
An alternate guardian is a backup individual named to assume caregiving responsibilities if the primary nominee is unable or unwilling to serve. Including alternates in your nomination document increases the likelihood that your preferences will be followed without delay. Alternates should be chosen with the same care as the primary nominee, taking into account location, values, availability, and willingness to take on parental responsibilities. Clear communication with alternates helps ensure they understand the role and are prepared if the need arises.
A letter of instruction accompanies formal nominations and provides practical guidance about your child’s preferences, routines, medical needs, educational wishes, and other personal details that help a guardian provide consistent care. Though not a legally binding document, it is highly useful to guardians and courts alike because it conveys your priorities and everyday knowledge that legal forms don’t capture. Updating this letter periodically ensures a guardian has current information about healthcare providers, school arrangements, and your wishes for cultural or religious upbringing.
Families have several legal tools to plan for a child’s care, including guardianship nominations, pour-over wills, and trusts that hold assets for a guardian to use. A nomination expresses your preferred caregiver, whereas a trust can provide for the child financially without immediate court oversight. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives handle different types of decision-making for adults. Choosing the right combination depends on your goals, assets, and family situation. A considered plan often uses multiple instruments together to provide both custodial clarity and financial support in the months and years after a parent’s incapacity or passing.
For families with modest assets and straightforward living arrangements, a basic guardianship nomination included in a will may be sufficient to express your caregiving preferences. When finances are not complex and prospective guardians live nearby and are in close contact, a simple nomination reduces immediate uncertainty and guides a probate court. It is still important to include alternates and communicate directly with potential guardians so they understand the responsibilities involved. Periodic review ensures the nomination remains appropriate as family circumstances change over time.
When family members have already discussed caregiving arrangements and there is broad agreement about who will assume responsibility, a limited nomination can formalize those intentions without complex financial planning. Such plans work best when the proposed guardian has access to sufficient community or family resources and when the anticipated duration of care is clear. Even in cooperative situations, documenting your nomination in a legal instrument and providing supportive documents like letters of instruction helps prevent misunderstandings and provides guidance to the court if a formal appointment becomes necessary.
When families have significant assets, blended family dynamics, or special financial needs, a comprehensive plan that pairs guardianship nominations with trusts, tax planning, and well-drafted wills offers stronger protection. Trusts can hold and manage assets for a child’s benefit without placing the burden of asset management solely on a guardian. This approach reduces the likelihood of future disputes and provides continuity of care and financial support. A full plan also addresses contingencies, such as multiple potential guardians and long-term support needs, ensuring that a guardian has both authority and resources.
When a child or dependent has medical, educational, or developmental needs that require ongoing resources, a comprehensive plan coordinates guardianship nominations with trusts and benefit planning to secure long-term support. A trust can preserve eligibility for public benefits while providing supplemental funds for extra services or therapies. Clear legal arrangements reduce the risk of interruption in care and make it easier for a guardian to manage both practical and financial responsibilities. Thoughtful planning also incorporates instructions for healthcare decisions and guardianship transitions as circumstances evolve.
A comprehensive approach aligns your guardianship nominations with financial and healthcare documents so that nominated caregivers have clear authority and access to resources needed to support a child. Trusts can hold funds for education, healthcare, and general maintenance while letters of instruction provide practical care details. This coordination reduces delays, minimizes family disputes, and helps ensure that a guardian can act quickly and effectively. Families also gain reassurance that contingencies such as alternates and successor trustees are in place to handle changes without jeopardizing a child’s stability.
Comprehensive planning also provides flexibility for changing circumstances and integrates safeguards that protect a child’s inheritance while preserving eligibility for government benefits. By addressing both immediate custodial decisions and long-term financial arrangements, families create continuity and decrease the likelihood of costly court interventions. Regular reviews and updates keep the plan current with life events, such as moves, births, or changes in family relationships, ensuring that the guardianship nomination and related documents continue to reflect your intentions and practical needs.
When guardianship nominations are paired with trusts and financial planning, children receive a steady source of support that is managed according to your instructions. A trustee can handle money and disburse funds for education, healthcare, and day-to-day needs while a guardian focuses on personal care. This separation of roles reduces stress on guardians and helps maintain continuity in a child’s lifestyle. Clear legal structures also reduce the chance of disputes over money, enabling caregivers to make decisions based on the child’s best interests rather than financial uncertainty.
A well-drafted nomination, supported by complementary estate documents, lowers the risk of family conflicts that can delay court decisions and disrupt a child’s life. Expressing preferences and providing financial arrangements in advance gives the court clearer guidance, which can speed the appointment process and reduce contentious litigation. Clear documentation and thoughtful contingency planning protect both the child’s welfare and family relationships by minimizing ambiguity and ensuring that temporary arrangements transition smoothly to longer-term care as needed.
Talk with the people you intend to nominate so they understand the responsibilities and are comfortable taking on the role. Open conversations reduce surprises and allow prospective guardians to raise concerns about timing, logistics, or financial ability. During those discussions, review practical matters such as current living arrangements, proximity to the child’s school, and availability to manage daily routines. Documenting the conversation and confirming a nominee’s willingness in writing helps avoid last-minute complications and ensures your stated preference is realistic and actionable when it matters most.
Supplement legal forms with a letter of instruction that describes daily routines, medical providers, medications, school preferences, and important personal details. This nonlegal but highly practical document helps a guardian maintain consistency in a child’s life and conveys your values and wishes in a conversational way. Include a list of contacts, insurance information, and any special needs or accommodations. Updating this letter regularly ensures that a guardian has current, actionable information and reduces stress during a transition by making everyday decisions easier.
Including guardianship nominations provides clarity and guidance if you become unable to care for a child or dependent person. It expresses your priorities and shortlists trusted individuals you want considered by the court, helping avoid uncertainty and potential disputes among relatives. Nominations also allow you to provide instructions about upbringing, education, and medical care, which helps maintain continuity for children. When combined with financial documents and healthcare directives, a nomination becomes part of a comprehensive plan that preserves stability and support for vulnerable family members.
Another important reason to nominate guardians is the practical advantage of preparing for emergencies and unexpected events. Legal documents in place reduce delays and allow appointed caregivers to access necessary information and resources quickly. Nominations also create an opportunity to talk through expectations with potential guardians and to coordinate with trustees or designated fund managers. By planning now, parents can reduce stress for children and family members later and ensure that their wishes are known and can be followed to the greatest extent possible in California courts.
Guardianship nominations are particularly important after life events that alter family structure or financial responsibility. These include the birth of a child, remarriage, divorce, significant changes in health, relocation, or acquiring substantial assets. Nominations are also important when a child has special medical or educational needs that require consistent caregiving. Any situation that could alter who is most capable of providing stable care makes a review of guardianship choices timely. Regular updates ensure that nominations reflect current relationships and practical considerations for caregiving.
The arrival of a new child is a common trigger to nominate guardians because it prompts parents to think about long-term care and inheritance. Naming primary and alternate guardians ensures the child will be cared for by people you trust if both parents become unable to provide care. This decision should account for household stability, geographic proximity, and shared values. Coordinating the nomination with financial planning, healthcare directives, and trust arrangements helps ensure comprehensive protection for the child’s welfare and future needs.
Events such as divorce, remarriage, or estrangement can change who is best placed to care for a child. Regularly reviewing and updating your nomination allows you to reflect these changes and select guardians aligned with your current preferences. Adjustments are particularly important when new parental figures enter a child’s life or when relationships with potential guardians evolve. Updating legal documents reduces the risk that outdated nominations will lead to conflict or undesirable custodial outcomes during an already difficult time.
Significant changes in health or finances can affect a nominee’s suitability or your capacity to provide for a child directly. If a prospective guardian experiences health setbacks or moves away, naming an alternate or adjusting financial support structures such as trusts can ensure continued care. Financial changes may also prompt the inclusion of trusts and designated funds to support a guardian. Anticipating these possibilities through careful planning helps protect the child’s interests and ensures that nominated guardians have the resources to fulfill their responsibilities.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman offers guardianship nomination services to families in Lincoln and the surrounding Placer County communities. We assist with drafting clear nominations, coordinating trusts and pour-over wills, and preparing supporting documents such as letters of instruction and HIPAA authorizations. Our goal is to provide practical, family-focused planning that minimizes uncertainty and helps ensure smooth transitions if a guardian must be appointed. We aim to create plans that are easy for nominated caregivers to implement and that reflect the client’s priorities for their children or dependent adults.
Clients choose the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman for thoughtful estate planning grounded in practical results. We prioritize clear communication and personalized solutions that fit each family’s dynamics and goals. Our approach includes discussing potential nominees, drafting nomination language that courts can rely on, and ensuring nominations are integrated with financial and healthcare documents. We emphasize preventive planning to reduce uncertainty and help families preserve stability for children and dependents. Our team works to make legal documents understandable and aligned with your intentions under California law.
We focus on planning that reflects real-life logistics and family values, ensuring that nominated guardians have appropriate instructions and access to resources. Our services include coordinating trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and HIPAA authorizations so nominated guardians have what they need to care for a dependent without unnecessary administrative hurdles. We also assist with letters of instruction and contingency planning to manage transitions smoothly. Clients appreciate practical guidance and thorough documentation that anticipates potential challenges and supports the appointed caregivers.
Our process includes regular reviews of your documents to keep nominations current after life changes such as moves, births, or relationship shifts. We help clients consider alternates and financial safeguards and explain how California courts treat nominations. By combining guardianship nominations with financial planning tools, we aim to protect both the child’s immediate needs and their long-term well-being. Our aim is to reduce family stress and provide clear direction that benefits children and nominated caregivers at critical moments.
Our process begins with a consultation to understand family structure, priorities, and the child’s needs. We discuss potential nominees, alternates, and financial arrangements before drafting nomination language and coordinating supporting documents like a pour-over will, trust provisions, and letters of instruction. After you review and approve the documents, we finalize signatures and provide copies and storage guidance. We recommend periodic reviews and updates as circumstances change. Throughout the process we focus on practical clarity, ensuring nominations work with other estate planning tools to protect children and dependents under California law.
In the initial consultation we review your family situation, discuss potential guardians, and identify priorities for caregiving and financial support. This stage involves gathering information about children’s ages, health needs, preferred caregivers, and any existing estate documents. We also discuss whether trusts or other arrangements are necessary to provide consistent financial support for a guardian. The goal is to create a plan tailored to your circumstances and to outline next steps for drafting nomination and supporting documents that reflect your intentions.
We help you evaluate possible nominees and alternates, considering factors like proximity, lifestyle compatibility, and willingness to accept responsibility. This discussion often includes assessing whether a candidate can manage both personal and financial responsibilities and whether additional support systems are needed. We also recommend discussing your choice with nominees to confirm their readiness and to avoid surprises. Identifying alternates and contingency plans at this early stage reduces the risk of gaps in caregiving and clarifies your intentions for the court and family members.
During the assessment we determine whether a trust, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations are necessary to support the nominated guardian. We review existing documents and recommend updates to ensure a guardian has timely access to resources and medical information. This coordination helps protect eligibility for public benefits if applicable and ensures that funds are available for education and healthcare. Clear alignment between nomination language and financial documents reduces administrative burdens for caregivers during transitions.
After gathering information, we draft the guardianship nomination, supporting letters of instruction, and any necessary trust or will language. Documents are written in clear, actionable terms and include primary and alternate nominees, contingency instructions, and notes on desired upbringing and healthcare preferences where appropriate. We provide a review period so you can make changes and discuss wording to ensure your intentions are accurately captured. Attention to precise language helps reduce the chance of misinterpretation and improves the likelihood that a court will honor your preferences.
If a trust is part of your plan, we prepare pour-over will language to ensure assets transfer into the trust for management on behalf of a child or dependent. Trust provisions can designate how funds should be used and appoint a trustee who will work with a guardian to meet the child’s needs. This arrangement provides ongoing financial oversight while allowing a guardian to focus on personal care. We tailor trust terms to balance flexibility with clear guidelines for distributions and long-term maintenance.
Once drafts are prepared, we review all documents with you line by line to confirm they reflect your decisions and practical needs. We address any questions about how the nomination interacts with other estate planning tools and recommend adjustments where necessary. After your approval, we finalize the documents, coordinate signatures and notarization when required, and provide guidance on where to store originals and how to share copies with nominated guardians and key family members for ease of access during emergencies.
Implementation includes executing the documents, funding any trusts, updating beneficiary designations, and distributing copies to nominated guardians, trustees, and relevant advisors. We advise on practical steps like completing HIPAA authorizations and ensuring guardians have necessary contact and medical information. Ongoing maintenance involves periodic reviews to account for births, deaths, relocations, or relationship changes that could affect nominations or financial arrangements. Regular updates help ensure that documentation remains accurate and effective in protecting your child’s welfare over time.
If a trust is part of the plan, funding it is essential to make the arrangement functional. Funding can mean retitling assets, assigning accounts, or designating the trust as a beneficiary where appropriate. We assist with the administrative steps and coordinate with financial institutions to complete transfers. We also help update records and beneficiary forms so that assets will be accessible under the intended structure. These actions ensure a guardian has access to resources needed to support a child without unnecessary court procedures.
Maintaining an effective plan requires revisiting documents after major life events and periodically in quieter times. We recommend scheduled reviews to confirm that nominated guardians remain appropriate and that financial arrangements still serve their purpose. Keeping open lines of communication with nominated caregivers helps prepare them for potential responsibilities and reduces surprises. Providing updated copies and letters of instruction ensures they can step in quickly if needed and that the child’s routine and needs are well understood.
A guardianship nomination is a formal statement in which a parent or legal guardian names a preferred person to care for their minor child or dependent if they are unable to do so. The nomination is commonly included in a will or as a separate document within an estate plan, and it outlines who you want considered by the court. While the nomination communicates your wishes clearly, it does not automatically transfer custody. A probate court ultimately decides appointments, but courts generally give significant weight to a valid nomination made by a parent. The nomination differs from a court appointment because a court evaluates the nominee’s fitness and the child’s best interests before making an official guardianship order. The court may consider the nomination as persuasive, but the legal appointment process involves hearings and potentially additional evidence. Including a nomination along with supporting documents like trust provisions and letters of instruction improves the chance that your preferences will be honored and reduces ambiguity for family members and the court in a time-sensitive situation.
Yes, you may name someone outside your immediate family as a guardian if you believe they are the best choice for your child’s welfare. Courts consider the nomination as an expression of your parenting decision and will review the nominee’s ability to provide stable care. Factors such as the nominee’s relationship with the child, living situation, willingness to accept responsibilities, and ability to meet the child’s needs play into the court’s assessment. Discussing the role with any outside nominee is important to ensure they are prepared and willing to serve. Naming a nonfamily member also makes it more important to provide clear supporting documentation, such as letters of instruction and financial arrangements, so the court understands why you chose that person. Including alternates and explaining your decision in writing can be especially helpful. If funds are needed to support the caregiver, coordinating trust provisions or designated accounts will reduce administrative burdens and increase the practicality of your nomination in real-world circumstances.
Including alternates in your nomination is highly recommended because life changes can affect a primary nominee’s ability to serve when the need arises. An alternate provides a prepared backup, helping ensure that someone aligned with your preferences can step in quickly. Naming multiple options also reduces the risk that the court will need to find a guardian through a contested process, which can be stressful and time-consuming for children and family members. Careful selection of alternates improves the likelihood of a smooth transition. When naming alternates, choose people who understand your expectations and are willing to accept responsibility. Record clear instructions and provide copies of documentation so alternates know where to find necessary records and how funds are managed. Communicating openly with alternates about your intentions, and coordinating financial and legal tools that support them, ensures that a child’s needs are prioritized even if the primary nominee cannot serve.
A trust supports a nominated guardian by providing a structured financial resource for a child’s upbringing without placing the burden of managing significant assets solely on the guardian. Trustees are responsible for managing trust assets and making distributions according to your instructions, which can include funds for education, healthcare, and daily needs. This division of responsibilities allows a guardian to focus on personal care while a trustee oversees financial matters, reducing stress and potential conflicts over money. Trust provisions can be tailored to preserve eligibility for public benefits where appropriate and to specify how and when funds should be used. Combining a guardianship nomination with a trust provides both custodial clarity and financial continuity, helping avoid court-supervised asset management for minor children. Clear coordination between trustee and guardian roles in the trust documents helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters cooperation in supporting the child’s best interests.
If your nominated guardian is unable or unwilling to serve when needed, an alternate guardian you named can be considered by the court to take on the role. Including alternates and clear contingency language increases the likelihood that the court will appoint someone you prefer rather than a stranger or someone less aligned with your wishes. If no suitable nominee exists, the court will identify a guardian based on the child’s best interests, which can lead to protracted proceedings and potential disruption for the child. To mitigate these risks, maintain open communication with nominees and alternates to confirm their willingness and readiness. Updating documents after life events and ensuring that financial arrangements are in place helps any successor guardian assume responsibility without delay. Clear letters of instruction and accessible documentation also make it easier for a successor to maintain consistency in the child’s life during transitions.
Yes, guardianship nominations should be reviewed and updated after major life events such as births, adoptions, divorce, remarriage, changes in health, or significant moves. These events can change who is most capable or appropriate to act as a guardian. Regular reviews ensure nominations reflect current relationships and practical realities, and they allow you to adjust alternates and related financial arrangements to match your intentions and circumstances. Periodic updates also help incorporate changes in laws or planning strategies that affect guardianship and related estate tools. Maintaining current documents prevents unintended outcomes and helps ensure nominated caregivers will have the necessary authority and resources. Scheduling reviews every few years or after major changes provides ongoing assurance that your plan remains effective and aligned with your priorities.
A nomination does not guarantee that a court will appoint your chosen guardian, but it is a powerful expression of your preference and carries persuasive weight in a probate proceeding. Courts consider the nominee’s suitability, the child’s best interests, and any additional evidence presented, such as letters of instruction or testimony about family circumstances. A clear, well-documented nomination increases the probability that a court will follow your wishes, particularly when the nominee is willing and able to serve. To maximize the likelihood your preference is honored, provide comprehensive supporting documents, communicate with nominees in advance, and coordinate financial arrangements to make the transition practical. These steps make it easier for the court to see that your choice is in the child’s best interests and reduce the chance of contested proceedings that could delay an appointment.
Ensuring funds are available to a guardian typically involves placing assets in a trust, designating a custodian for accounts, or using beneficiary designations to direct resources for a child’s benefit. Trusts are especially useful because they provide structured distributions under terms you set and can appoint a trustee to manage finances while a guardian focuses on caregiving. This arrangement helps protect assets and ensures funds are used consistent with your intentions for education, healthcare, and daily needs. Coordinating these financial tools with your nomination reduces the burden on a guardian and helps maintain stability for the child. Work with your advisor to ensure accounts are retitled, beneficiary forms are updated, and trust funding is completed so resources are accessible when needed. Clear instructions for trustees and guardians further streamline management and avoid disputes over money during an already challenging time.
Letters of instruction are highly valuable even though they are not legally binding. They provide practical details about a child’s routine, healthcare providers, school preferences, and personal likes or dislikes that legal forms do not capture. Such letters help a guardian quickly adapt to the child’s needs and reduce stress during the transition by offering tangible, day-to-day guidance that preserves continuity in the child’s life. Because letters of instruction are flexible and easily updated, they serve as a living document that complements formal nominations and trusts. Keeping this letter current and sharing it with nominated guardians improves preparedness and ensures that caregivers have the information they need to make informed, day-to-day decisions that align with your preferences and the child’s best interests.
You should review your guardianship nomination and related documents at least every few years and after any significant life change such as a move, marriage, divorce, birth, or a nominee’s change in health or availability. Regular reviews ensure that nominations, trusts, and beneficiary designations remain appropriate and that financial provisions are properly funded. This proactive maintenance reduces the risk of outdated instructions leading to confusion or disputes when decisions are needed. In addition to planned reviews, consult an advisor whenever you experience a major event that could affect caregiving arrangements. Prompt updates and open communication with nominated guardians, trustees, and family members ensure everyone understands your intentions and helps make transitions as smooth as possible should guardianship become necessary.
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