Guardianships: Serving as Court-Appointed Counsel
Last week, I spoke at a continuing legal education (CLE) sponsored by the Allegheny County Bar Association. The topic was “Guardianships: Serving as Court-Appointed Counsel.” My fellow panelists were: Allegheny County Orphans’ Court Guardianship Department Supervisor Trevor Fleming, Allegheny County Orphans’ Court Judge Hugh McGough, and seasoned Allegheny County Orphans’ Court Attorney, Gary Gushard. We spoke to an audience of approximately thirty practitioners.
The purpose of the CLE was to acquaint attorneys who want to serve as court-appointed counsel with the law governing guardianships as well as equip them with practical practice tips. I spoke about my experience serving as court-appointed counsel for alleged incapacitated persons (AIPs) in Allegheny and Washington counties. An AIP is the subject of a court petition claiming that they can no longer manage their own financial, physical, or medical needs.
In June 2024, significant reforms to Pennsylvania guardianship law went into place. One of the significant reforms was that every AIP is assigned an attorney regardless of their ability to pay. This helps to ensure that the AIP’s legal interests are represented during the guardianship proceeding and that due process occurs to the fullest extent possible.
If you are interested in seeking guardianship of a loved one in Allegheny County or a neighboring county, I can help. I will talk you through the guardianship process and help you make a determination of whether guardianship is appropriate or if there is a less restrictive alternative.
