Guardianship An Option Protect Minor and Disabled Loved Ones

   With modern families taking a variety of different shapes, finding ways to take care of minor (under 18) and disabled (including as a result of aging) loved ones has never been more important.  One way that Wisconsin law enables families to take care of minor or disabled relatives in need is through the guardianship process.  A basic understanding of the functions of guardianship and the process by which it is achieved, as well as its benefits, downfalls and alternatives, is therefore a helpful tool for anyone interested in keeping their loved ones safe.
   Wisconsin law provides for two different types of guardianships, guardianship of the person and guardianship of the estate.  A guardianship of the person allows for an appointed guardian to assume the rights of the ward (the subject of the guardianship, whether minor or disabled) to make decisions about where the ward will stay, what type of treatment the ward will receive, and any other non-financial matter that needs to be addressed.  A guardianship of the estate allows for an appointed guardian to assume the ward's rights to make financial decisions about the ward's income, expenses, assets and debts.  In many cases, the same person is named the guardian of the person and the guardian of the estate, but that is not a requirement of the law.  Different people are frequently named as guardian of the person and guardian in the estate.  In some cases, ...