What This Really Means for You
Guardianship gives you legal authority over another person's personal decisions — where they live, their medical care, their daily well-being. Conservatorship covers their finances and property.
In Virginia, these petitions go through Circuit Court. The court appoints a guardian ad litem to meet with your loved one, and requires medical evidence of incapacity.
Families usually come to me at a painful moment: a parent with advancing dementia, an adult child with disabilities aging out of school services, or a relative after a catastrophic injury.
There are also less restrictive alternatives — powers of attorney, advance directives, representative payees — and I'll tell you honestly if one of those fits better than full guardianship.
Where We Step In
Adult Guardianship
Petitions for parents and relatives who can no longer decide safely.
Conservatorship
Authority to manage finances, benefits and property.
Guardianship of Minors
Legal standing for relatives raising a child who isn't theirs.
Annual Reporting
Meeting the court's ongoing filing and accounting duties.
From First Call to Resolution
Free Case Review
We discuss capacity, family dynamics and less restrictive options.
Petition & Evaluation
Filing in Circuit Court with the required medical evidence.
GAL & Hearing
Working with the guardian ad litem through to the hearing.
Appointment & Support
Qualification, letters, and help with annual reports.
Mom's dementia moved faster than we could keep up with. Connie made an impossible season feel manageable.
Ready to Talk About Your Guardianship Case?
One phone call can be the first step toward peace of mind.