Guardianships

If an adult or vulnerable child in your family requires legal intervention because of incapacity, Washington attorney Jennifer Rydberg can capably handle legal your legal needs. Based in Kent, Washington, she represents clients in the Seattle area and throughout King County.

Jennifer is a solo practitioner who works closely with clients in a wide range of estate, probate and family law matters. With more than 30 years of legal experience, she is in an excellent position to act as your advocate during a difficult family challenge. To schedule an initial consultation with Jennifer Rydberg today, call 425-235-5535.

Establishing Legal Guardianship

Jennifer Rydberg is experienced in all aspects of guardianship proceedings. A guardianship may be required for:

• A child named the beneficiary of a litigation settlement
• Adults who can no longer take care of themselves and do not have a power of attorney
• Minor children who have lost a parent
• Minor children who receive an inheritance outside of a testamentary trust

A guardianship may be limited to personal affairs or health care decisions, or it may be a full guardianship in which the legal guardian oversees every aspect of the person's life — where they will live, medical care, and management of income and assets.

Any concerned person can initiate a guardianship proceeding. All family members are notified, and the subject of the proceedings is appointed a guardian ad litem to ensure his or her interests are protected.

A guardian is subject to court supervision. Once designated, the guardian of the estate is responsible for a financial accounting and management of the estate and protects the incapacitated person's assets and income. Jennifer Rydberg advises guardians of their duties and reporting obligations.

Avoiding Guardianship Disputes

Guardianship proceedings are time-consuming, expensive and can create hard feelings among family members with differing opinions about a loved one's care. The process can be avoided by anticipating these concerns through a power of attorney and other estate planning measures. For example, a testamentary trust or living trust can avoid the expense and court oversight of a guardianship for a minor child's inheritance and can extend the trust management beyond the age of 18.

If an estate plan has not been enacted in your case and a guardianship proceeding is necessary, Jennifer Rydberg is a compassionate lawyer who will work diligently on your behalf to accomplish your goals and protect your rights.

Contact Jennifer Rydberg

For more information about legal guardianship, or for swift action in a sensitive family situation, contact Seattle guardianships attorney Jennifer C. Rydberg at 425-235-5535 or contact her by e-mail.