THE ELROD FIRM

Your granddaughter’s parents should Answer: consider seeking guardianship over your granddaughter very soon. In fact, it may be more pressing than they even realize. The automatic authority parents have to manage their children’s affairs ends at 18. It does not appear that they have had any trouble managing your granddaughter’s affairs since the time she turned 18, but because that’s the age of majority in Arkansas, that’s when I would have recommended they start the process of seeking guardianship. There’s a big difference between guardianship and power of attorney. In this case, guardianship appears to be the only option. But it is worth noting for other interested parents and grandparents that even when there is no issue with disability, it may be wise to do something when you have a child turn 18. For those of you in need of guardianship over a disabled child, and for those interested in power of attorney over children who have reached the age of majority but may still need some active help until they get a little older and start families of their own, we’d love to help. Because many of my questions and answers relate more to issues facing older family members, you may not have known that my firm also helps with child-related issues like these. Check out our website to learn more about us and our services and give us a call to set up a nocharge strategy session.

“My granddaughter, disabled since birth, will turn 21 soon. Her parents share custody and provide for her total care and needs. Will a guardianship be necessary when she turns 21?” Answer sponsored by:

Justin S. Elrod