Guardianship
Compassionate legal guidance for families protecting individuals who can no longer manage their own affairs.
Protecting those who can no longer
protect themselves
Guardianship is one of the most serious legal processes a family can navigate — and one of the most emotionally demanding. When a person can no longer manage their own personal or financial affairs due to incapacity, illness, age, or disability, guardianship may be the most protective option available. It is also a significant legal step that requires court involvement and careful documentation.
At Jacobs, Wilson & Onofry, we guide families through the guardianship process with care and respect. We explain what the process involves, what the court requires, what alternatives may exist, and what to expect at each stage. We keep the wellbeing of the individual — not just the legal process — at the center of everything we do.
It's worth noting that proper estate planning — including durable powers of attorney and healthcare proxies — can often prevent the need for guardianship entirely. If those documents are in place and properly executed, a family member or trusted person can typically act on someone's behalf without court involvement. When those documents don't exist, guardianship may be the only path forward.
Whether you're beginning the process or trying to understand whether it's necessary, we're here to help you navigate it thoughtfully.
- Guardianship of the person
- Guardianship of the estate
- Emergency guardianship petitions
- Guardianship modifications
- Alternatives to guardianship
- Court filing & representation
- Annual reporting guidance
- Coordination with estate planning
Facing a difficult situation
and not sure where to turn?
We'll help you understand your options clearly and take the right steps for the person you're trying to protect.
(570) 904-2098This website constitutes attorney advertising. Information contained herein is intended to serve as general advice that may or may not pertain to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Communication to or with the firm does not constitute the creation of an attorney-client relationship.