Guardianship Lawyer in Hingham

Compassionate Guardianship Help Near You

When someone you love can no longer safely make important decisions, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. You may suddenly find yourself searching for a guardianship attorney Hingham because a parent has been diagnosed with dementia, an adult child with disabilities is turning 18, or a minor relative needs a safe and stable home.

Kellem Mahoney Family Law & Mediation Group, P.C. helps families in Hingham and across the South Shore turn this stressful situation into a clearer path. Our team guides clients through the guardianship process, explains their options in plain language, and works to make sure the person at the center of the case is treated with dignity and respect.

To talk with our Hingham guardianship lawyer about your loved one’s situation, reach out to us online.

Why Families Choose Our Team

When you are deciding who to call, you are not just looking for information about the law. You want a firm that understands how guardianship actually plays out in real families and in the courts that serve your community. Our team focuses on helping people with sensitive family law issues, including adult and minor guardianships, so you are not starting from scratch with someone who rarely handles these matters.

Clear communication is one of our priorities. We aim to explain each document before you sign it, outline what will happen at hearings, and respond to your questions as your case moves forward. Our goal is to reduce surprises, keep you informed, and help you feel supported during a difficult time for your family.

Guardianship in Massachusetts Explained

Guardianship is a legal relationship created by the court that allows one person to make certain decisions for another. In Massachusetts, a guardian may have authority over personal and medical decisions, such as where the person lives or what medical care they receive. The court expects the guardian to act in the person’s best interests and, when possible, to consider what that person would have wanted.

There are different types of guardianship depending on the situation. Guardianship of a minor is used when a child’s parents are unable or unavailable to care for them, for example because of illness, substance use issues, or death. Guardianship of an incapacitated adult applies when an adult cannot safely manage their own personal or medical decisions because of conditions such as advanced dementia, developmental disabilities, or serious mental health concerns.

Courts can appoint a permanent guardian, a temporary guardian, or a limited guardian whose powers are carefully tailored. In some cases, less restrictive options like a health care proxy or power of attorney may meet the person’s needs without a full guardianship. Part of our work is to help you understand these options, so you can choose the approach that offers needed protection without taking away more independence than required.

Steps In A Guardianship Case

Here are common stages in a Massachusetts guardianship case:

• Initial consultation to review your concerns and discuss whether guardianship is appropriate.
• Gathering medical and personal information to support the petition, including doctor’s statements when available.
• Preparing and filing the guardianship petition and related forms in the appropriate probate and family court.
• Notifying interested family members and other required parties about the case, as court rules require.
• Attending one or more court hearings where the judge reviews the evidence and may ask questions.
• Receiving the court’s decision and, if appointed, learning about your ongoing duties as guardian.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if guardianship is necessary?

Guardianship may be appropriate when your loved one cannot understand or communicate basic decisions and is at risk without someone to help. We review their medical situation, daily functioning, and any existing planning documents, then explain whether guardianship or a less restrictive option is likely to meet their needs.

What court handles guardianship for Hingham residents?

Guardianship cases are generally heard in the probate and family court that serves the community where the person lives. There are exceptions, for example, if another court already has a related case. We can explain which court is likely to handle your specific matter and what that means for hearings.

How long does a guardianship case usually take?

The timeline depends on urgency, court scheduling, and whether anyone objects. Some uncontested cases with clear medical support move relatively quickly, while contested matters or complex medical situations take longer. During our first meetings, we discuss typical timeframes and what may speed up or slow down your particular case.

What if my family does not agree on a guardian?

Disagreement among relatives is common. The court focuses on the incapacitated person’s best interests, not on family politics. We help you understand how judges evaluate proposed guardians, what evidence is useful, and how to present your position clearly if another relative proposes a different solution.

Talk With Our Hingham Guardianship Lawyer

Deciding whether to seek guardianship is one of the most important choices you may make for a vulnerable family member. You do not have to sort through Massachusetts law, court forms, and family concerns on your own. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options and decide on a plan you feel comfortable with.

Kellem Mahoney Family Law & Mediation Group, P.C. works with families in Hingham and throughout the South Shore who are facing these difficult decisions. When you reach out, we discuss your situation, answer initial questions, and outline practical next steps so you can move forward with more confidence. Our goal is to offer clear information and steady support from the first conversation.

To talk with our guardianship attorney serving Hingham about your loved one’s situation, reach out to us online.