GUARDIANSHIP CASES: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE BRITNEY SPEARS GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP CASE

 Posted on August 13, 2021 in Uncategorized

If you are like many of us, you have been following the Guardianship case involving the famous singer, Britney Spears, in California.  Essentially, Britney’s father petitioned the Court to act as her conservator, citing mental health and other issues plaguing the singer. Now, the singer is seeking that the Guardianship be ended and that her father, the conservator, be removed as her Guardian. How is this relevant in Maryland?

Guardianship in Maryland: The Basics

Guardianship entails a court designating a person to manage a minor child’s or an individual with a disability’s personal affairs (non-financial decisions), financial affairs, or both. There are two types of Guardianships in Maryland: that of the person and that of the property.  The court may also appoint one person to manage the individual’s personal affairs and another person to manage their financial affairs. Furthermore, two people may serve as co-guardians and share responsibilities.

EXAMPLE GUARDIANSHIP CASES:

Minor: A child, who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition as a teen and is unable to make decisions for themselves, has their parents step in to manage their personal and financial needs.

Adult: An elderly parent, who is living on their own and dealing with a mental or physical ailment that impairs their ability to make financial decisions and care for their basic needs, has their adult children take over management of these areas on their behalf.

How Does Guardianship Differ from Power of Attorney?

While the concept of guardianship may entail responsibilities similar to situations involving a power of attorney, the two differ in noteworthy ways. Designating a power of attorney, for instance, does not require a court hearing and can be appointed via a written document. Guardianship, on the other hand, encompasses a legal process where a court gives a third party authority over another person’s decision-making. Guardianship also becomes necessary when a person is unable to make decisions or handle their affairs, but the person has not signed a power of attorney.

How the Guardianship Process Works in Maryland

STEP 1:

The person(s) seeking to be appointed guardian of the minor and/or person with a disability submits a petition to the local court. For cases involving a person with a disability, it must include physician certificates that describe the person’s legal incapacity.

STEP 2:

The person with a disability or the minor is appointed an attorney who will determine whether the individual consents or objects to the guardianship request.

STEP 3:

If anyone objects, a court will schedule a trial to determine whether the individual lacks capacity and to determine whether the petitioning party is the best person to serve.

STEP 4:

Once appointed, a court is tasked with overseeing the guardian(s) care for the person with a disability or minor and their property.

How a Guardianship Lawyer Can Help

If you are considering becoming a guardian for someone or want additional insight into the guardianship process, working with a guardianship attorney is imperative.  Here, at Diamant Gerstein, we do Guardianship cases and have extensive training in this area of law.  If you have concerns about a loved one in your family and would like to pursue a guardianship, please call us.