Chicago Guardianship Attorneys at O'Flaherty Law

Top 3 Qualities to Look for in Your Attorney

Your attorney should not speak in legalese.

Finding an attorney who doesn't use complex legal jargon and is a “real person” can be difficult. You should be able to connect with your attorney on a personal level, and they should speak to you in plain language that you can understand.

Your attorney should be accessible.

You deserve a responsive legal team that communicates regularly and promptly returns your calls. Although legal matters can take time, you should feel confident in the progress of your case.

Your attorney should be realistic about costs and outcomes.

You want a favorable outcome as efficiently as possible. It is essential that your attorney set realistic expectations about the costs you should expect, concerns that the attorney has about the outcome of your case, and the length of time that you should expect your case to take.

We are Experienced and Great at What We Do! At O'Flaherty Law, our Chicago guardianship attorneys know Guardianship administration can be complicated. Our attorneys have the skill, experience and dedication to educate you on your options and create the most advantageous plan for you and your family. In 2015 Kevin O'Flaherty was honored to be named one of Suburban Life Magazine's Best Under 40. In 2016, we received Avvo Clients' Choice Award for Estate Planning. Kevin is a founder and proud member of Main Street Senior Resources. This is a group of professionals who collaborate to provide superior and comprehensive service to seniors. We look forward to bringing our experience to bear in order to help you and your loved ones.
We are Efficient and Cost-Effective! We are extremely proud of our affordable rates that allows us to build relationships with more clients. We invite the comparison to other Chicago guardianship attorneys and would like to hear about it if you can find a more affordable solution to your family's planning needs.
We Go Above and Beyond For You and Your Family! Our Chicago guardianship attorneys always remain accessible to our clients and provide prompt communication regarding all developments in your case. We consider ourselves educators, allowing you to make informed decisions with an understanding of all of your options. Many of our clients have been so "amazed" by our above-and-beyond service that they have taken time out of their busy schedules to leave us glowing reviews.

Chicago Guardianship Attorneys

Contact Us

Please contact our friendly Chicago Guardianship Attorneys at our nearest location to schedule a consultation.

O'Flaherty Law of Chicago

155 N Wacker Dr STE 4250 Unit 30

Chicago, IL 60606

(312) 736-1384

chicago@oflaherty-law.com

Meet the Owner

I am personally committed to ensuring that each one of our clients receives the highest level of client service from our team. Our mission is to provide excellent legal work in a cost-effective manner while maintaining open lines of communication between our clients and their attorneys. Many of our clients are going through difficult times in their lives when they reach out to us. They should feel comfortable leaning on the experience and knowledge of our attorneys as their counselors and advocates. We are here to help!

- Attorney Kevin O'Flaherty, Owner

In this video, Chicago Guardianship attorney Kevin O'Flaherty explains the process for filing for guardianship in Chicago.

Filing a Petition for Adult Guardianship in Chicago

In this video, our Chicago guardianship attorneys explains the process of petition for adult guardianship. Guardianship matters are court cases where an individual is appointed to be responsible for the personal care and management of the finances of an minor, adult or a person who requires special needs and who is mentally incompetent. To initiate an adult guardianship proceeding in Chicago, the person requesting guardianship must file a Petition for Guardianship with the appropriate court.

A Petition for Guardianship must contain the appropriate information:

The relationship of the person filing the petition to the person over whom guardianship is sought.
The name, place of residence, and date of birth of the respondent.
The reason that guardianship is being sought;
The names and addresses of any current guardian or agents appointed in the respondent’s healthcare or financial powers of attorney;
The name and addresses of the spouse, adult children, parents, and adult siblings of the respondent. If none of these are living, then the nearest adult relatives of the respondent should be listed.
The name address of the person or institution with which the respondent is currently residing.
The approximate value of the respondent’s assets.
The expected annual income of the respondent.
The following information for the proposed guardian: name, address, age, occupation, and relationship to the respondent.

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If there is a reason that the petitioner cannot obtain a physician’s report prior to filing your petition, they can file the petition without an accompanying medical report and request that the court issue an order requiring a medical examination for the purpose of obtaining a physician’s report.

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In this video Chicago guardianship attorney Kevin O'Flaherty discusses some common types of guardianship and how a family can solve these disputes.

What are some conflicts that can arise when deciding guardianship?

In this video, our Chicago guardianship attorneys explain common legal disputes that may arise an Illinois guardianship for either a disabled adult or a minor, including disputes over who will service as guardian, disputes over whether guardianship is necessary, breach of fiduciary duty in guardianship cases, termination of a biological parent’s rights in order to appoint a guardian, and removal of a guardian based on changed circumstances.

In this video, Guardianship attorney Kevin O'Flaherty discusses how to prevent potentially costly guardianship proceedings in Illinois

Avoiding Costly Guardianship Proceedings in Chicago

In this video, our Chicago guardianship attorneys explain how if you want to be a guardian, a guardianship proceeding must be filed with the appropriate circuit court. Guardianships may be granted by if your loved one is unable to communicate appropriate decisions regarding personal or financial matters. This can be due to a number of factors including: due to

Mental illness
Age
Mental or physical disability; or
Poor life choices such as "gambling, idleness, debauchery, or excessive use of intoxicants or drugs."

To be named a guardian, you will be required to obtain an experienced's report certifying that the guardianship is appropriate. The appropriate forms for Chicago are found on the Cook County Circuit Clerk's website. The report needs to be reviewed carefully to ensure that the experienced's certifications are accurate, and the correct type of guardianship (limited or total/plenary guardianship) is recommended.

If no problems or contesting exists, at the conclusion of the guardianship proceeding, the court issues an order appointing you to be your loved one's guardian. After this happens, our Chicago guardianship attorneys assist you on an ongoing basis to prepare and file annual reports to the court regarding your administration of your loved one's estate.

If your loved one is still mentally competent, one alternative to guardianship proceedings is having them execute a Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney, which explains the wishes of your loved one without the need of a court order.

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Chicago Guardianship Attorneys | Guardianship Dispute Lawyers, Chicago IL

Top 3 Qualities to Look for in Your Attorney

Your attorney should not speak in legalese.

Your attorney should be accessible.

Your attorney should be realistic about costs and outcomes.

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