Featured on “Healthy Lifestyle with Lori Anne”
I recently had the honor of joining Lori Anne De Iulio Casdia—strategist, coach, and host of *Healthy Lifestyle with Lori Anne*—for a heartfelt conversation about a topic that touches many families but is often misunderstood: guardianship.
Listen to the Interview: Episode 302 Jackie Cara – Protecting the Most Vulnerable – Guardianship Matters 6-7-25
What Is Guardianship—and Why Does It Matter?
Guardianship proceedings are legal tools used to protect individuals who can no longer make essential decisions for themselves. These can include managing finances, attending medical appointments, paying bills, or ensuring daily needs are met.
Families often come to Cara Law seeking guidance when a loved one is no longer able to function independently—but has not planned ahead using legal documents like powers of attorney or health care proxies. Other times, a guardian may be needed even when someone has planned ahead, if the person they appointed is unavailable, unwilling, or has acted improperly.
Common Situations Where Guardianship Is Needed
Young Adults with Disabilities
One of the most common guardianship scenarios we see is when a child with disabilities turns 18. While they’re legally an adult, their needs may remain the same—and families often need to go to court to be appointed as legal guardians to continue making decisions on their behalf.
Older Adults Without Advance Planning
Another typical situation involves aging loved ones who’ve lost the capacity to manage their own care or finances. If they don’t have valid, up-to-date advance directives, guardianship may be necessary. Sometimes, these proceedings are brought not by family members, but by nursing homes, social services, or even concerned neighbors when there’s evidence of self-neglect or financial exploitation.
When Planning Falls Short
Even when legal documents are in place, they can fail. Perhaps the named agent in a power of attorney is no longer available—or worse, they’ve abused their authority. In these cases, guardianship proceedings can serve as a crucial safety net.
Have Questions About Guardianship?
Call Cara Law at (516) 217-9200. We’re here to help guide you through these important but often overwhelming decisions.
Learn More:
Visit our Guardianship Page → https://www.jackiecaralaw.com/guardianship-proceedings…
Let’s continue the conversation about how we can protect those who need us most. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply planning ahead for your family’s future, guardianship may be an essential piece of your legal puzzle.
