Address
One Gateway Center
420 Fort Duquesne Blvd
Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA, 15222
Phone
412.235.7682
Fax
412.235.7693
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Steele Schneider represents families in guardianship proceedings throughout Western Pennsylvania. Our attorneys will assist you and your family to understand Pennsylvania’s Guardianship Act and explore alternatives to guardianship proceedings like power of attorneys.
Guardianship proceedings are among the most significant decisions that can be made regarding a person. Guardianship proceedings aim to determine the ability of allegedly incapacitated person to continue to enjoy the basic right to make their own decisions. If the individual is determined to require guardianship, they will no longer have control of their life, liberty, or property. While this sounds severe, a guardianship order may be the only means of protecting the person from harm.
Because guardianship petitions can result in significant deprivations of personal liberty, the guardianship process involves significant procedural protections and hurdles before a person can be adjudicated as incapacitated and a guardian appointed. Steele Schneider will assist you in navigating the guardianship process.
Pennsylvania recognizes the following types of guardians:
A full or plenary guardianship must be avoided when possible. Pennsylvania aims for guardianships to be as limited as reasonably possible to address the needs of the incapacitated person. Courts must allow a person to retain decision-making responsibilities in any areas where they are able to make and communication decisions.
A Power of Attorney document is one of the most important estate planning documents that an individual can have in place. Power of Attorney documents allow a person to authorize another individual to act on his/her behalf.
Types of powers of attorney
Financial Power of Attorney
A Financial Power of Attorney document allows you to authorize a person to make financial decisions on your behalf, including paying your bills, managing your property, communicating with financial institutions, and accessing financial records or information.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Healthcare Power of Attorney document allows you to authorize a person to make medical decisions on your behalf, including consenting to medical treatment, communicating with your healthcare provider, and accessing medical records or information.
Powers of attorney allow you to:
Steele Schneider provides two fee arrangements for guardianship clients.
Address
One Gateway Center
420 Fort Duquesne Blvd
Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA, 15222