Massapequa Guardianship Lawyer Serving New York

At Becker Law & Advocacy PLLC, attorney Amanda L. Becker brings a warm and approachable style to guardianship law that makes even the most difficult legal matters feel manageable. When a loved one can no longer make their own decisions, the worry and uncertainty that follow can feel overwhelming. We are here to listen and help you find a clear path forward.

Understanding Guardianship In New York

Guardianship is a legal relationship that New York courts create to give one person the authority to make decisions for another. Courts appoint a guardian when a person can no longer make safe decisions on their own, including the following types of individuals:

• Incapacitated adults: Adults who cannot manage their personal or financial affairs due to illness or cognitive decline
• Minor children: Children who have lost a parent or need legal care and protection
• Developmentally disabled individuals: Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need ongoing support and oversight
• Elderly parents: Aging parents whose declining health makes independent decision-making unsafe

The scope of a guardian’s authority depends on your loved one’s specific needs and circumstances. Guardianship of the person gives a guardian the authority to make personal decisions for the individual. This includes decisions about where the person lives, what medical care they receive and how they manage their daily life.

Guardianship of the property gives a guardian the authority to manage the individual’s financial affairs, which can include overseeing bank accounts, paying bills and protecting assets.

Guardianship Cases We Handle In New York

At Becker Law & Advocacy PLLC, we handle a wide range of guardianship proceedings for families throughout Massapequa and across the state, including:

• Article 81 guardianship: A flexible guardianship option for incapacitated adults under New York’s Mental Hygiene Law
• Article 17-A guardianship: A guardianship for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities under the Mental Hygiene Law
• Minor guardianship: A court-appointed arrangement for children whose parents cannot care for them or have consented to guardianship

New York courts also distinguish between full and limited guardianship. Full guardianship grants the guardian complete authority over all decisions, while limited guardianship covers only the specific areas where the person needs help.

Guardianship is not always the right first step. In some situations, less restrictive tools like a power of attorney, healthcare proxy or special needs trust can provide the same level of protection without court involvement. Attorney Becker will review your options and help you determine the best path forward.

Take The First Step Toward Protecting Your Loved One

You no longer have to feel uncertain in this process. Attorney Becker gives every client her personal attention and remains available to answer your questions throughout the entire process. Call us at 631-920-4811 or reach out online to schedule your consultation.