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  • By: Hyl Conte Law, PLLC
Attorney discussing legal documents with a client during a first guardianship consultation in New York - Hyl Conte Law, PLLC

What To Expect From Your First Guardianship Consultation With An Attorney In New York

In this article, you can discover…

  • Questions an attorney will ask you during your consultation.
  • The importance of communication in an attorney-client relationship.
  • Documentation to bring to your initial consultation.

What Experience Do You Have Handling Guardianship Cases In New York?

At Hyl Conte Law, PLLC, our attorneys have over 45+ years of combined experience handling guardianship cases, both for the elderly and for special-needs adults and children. We’ve handled cases in Long Island’s Suffolk and Nassau Counties and throughout the five boroughs of New York.

How Do You Conduct Consultations, And Are Remote Consultations Possible?

Depending on what is most comfortable for you, we can conduct consultations through Zoom, over the phone, or in-person. FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other video apps can also be used if these are more convenient for you. If you opt for an in-person consultation, you can meet us in our office, at your home, or at a care facility, as well.

What Documentation Should I Bring To The Initial Consultation?

We will send you a list of documents to bring with you for your initial consultation. These will include documentation of your loved one’s current diagnosis, lists of the medications they are on, and the types of daily activities they can complete on their own. We’ll also need copies of deeds to any real estate, copies of bank statements, and information about your family member’s income.

Copies of tax returns, life insurance policies, retirement funds, 401ks, and annuities will be helpful. Documentation related to Social Security benefits and pensions will also be needed. If your loved one has an accountant or a financial advisor, please let us know how to get in touch with that person.

What Questions Should I Expect To Be Asked By My Attorney During The Initial Consultation On Guardianship?

You’ll be asked numerous questions about your loved one, such as what their limitations are and why you feel they need a guardian. For many families, a recent medical event, accident, or fall has triggered the visit, and it’ll be helpful to know what has changed to cause your family to consider guardianship.

You’ll be asked about your family’s dynamics and your elderly family member’s relationship to the rest of the family. We’ll also ask what you think your older family member would want, and if they’ve mentioned their wishes to you. We’ll ask about their preferences for living arrangements, end-of-life care, funeral arrangements, and the religious beliefs that might inform those decisions.

How Do You Make The Legal Complexities Of Guardianship More Approachable For Families During An Initial Consultation?

Our three pillars of client service are “simple, informative, and personable”. We’ll explain the legal process of guardianship to you carefully, and help you understand how every juncture or new piece of information will impact the outcomes for you and your family.

For example, if you’d initially assumed that a family member would agree to take on guardianship responsibilities but now realize that they’re hesitant, we’ll help walk you through this change of plans and help you find new solutions.

It’s ok to not understand things, and it’s ok to ask questions. We want to be sure that you understand everything clearly and are empowered to make wise, meaningful decisions about guardianship.

It’s also ok to be emotional. Guardianship can be an emotional process. We’re here to answer your questions, make the process less overwhelming, and be of help in any way that we can.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on What To Expect From Your First Guardianship Consultation With An Attorney In New York, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (877) 200-6845 today.


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