Indiana guardianship attorney helping a family protect an aging parent

Guardianship · Indiana

Indiana Guardianship Attorneys Protecting Children and Adults Who Need Help

When a child or an adult can no longer make safe decisions on their own, a court-appointed guardian can step in. At Webster & Garino LLC, our Indiana guardianship attorneys help families establish, contest, and manage guardianships so the people you love are protected.

or call (317) 565-1818

Indiana guardianship attorney helping a family protect an aging parent
WHO WE HELP

Who We Help With Guardianship in Indiana

Every guardianship is different. We represent families across a wide range of situations, always with the same goal: protection that fits the person’s real needs.

  • Adult children seeking guardianship of a parent with dementia or declining capacity
  • Parents of a child with a disability who is turning eighteen
  • Grandparents and relatives caring for a child whose parents cannot
  • Families facing an urgent medical or financial situation that needs a temporary guardian
  • Guardians who need help with court reports, accountings, or ending a guardianship
  • Anyone served with a guardianship petition who wants to object or propose an alternative

Guardianship limits a person’s rights, so Indiana courts look closely at every petition. Our attorneys prepare the evidence the court needs and look for less restrictive options when they fit.

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What Our Clients Have to Say…


50+

YEARS EXPERIENCE

3

COUNTIES SERVED

100%

FOCUSED ON FAMILIES

2

OFFICE LOCATIONS

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Why Legal Guidance Matters

A guardianship gives one person legal authority over another person’s care, finances, or both. The petition, notice, medical evidence, and ongoing court reporting all have to be done correctly. Skilled representation helps you avoid delays and protects everyone involved.

Key Issues in a Guardianship Case

What Gets Decided in an Indiana Guardianship Case?

Most Indiana guardianship cases come down to a handful of core questions. We help you answer each one clearly and completely.

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Whether a Guardian Is Needed

The court decides whether the person is incapacitated or a minor in need of protection, and whether a less restrictive option would work instead.

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Who Serves as Guardian

We help the court choose a suitable guardian, whether a family member, a trusted friend, or a professional.

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Scope of the Guardian’s Powers

A guardianship can cover the person, the estate, or both, and Indiana courts can limit the guardian’s authority to only what is needed.

HOW WE HELP

A Complete Approach to Your Guardianship Case

We guide you through every stage of a guardianship, from the first conversation to the court’s final order and beyond.

01

Initial Consultation

We listen to your situation, explain how Indiana guardianships work, and discuss whether a power of attorney or another alternative could meet your needs.

02

Filing the Petition

We prepare and file the guardianship petition in the correct Indiana county and make sure the respondent and family members receive proper notice.

03

Medical Evidence

For adult guardianships, we gather the physician’s report and other evidence the court needs to understand the person’s condition.

04

Emergency Guardianship

When a situation cannot wait, we ask the court to appoint a temporary guardian to protect the person while the full case moves forward.

05

Contested Hearings

When family members disagree, our seasoned litigators are prepared to present your case in front of the court.

06

Ongoing Compliance

We help guardians file inventories, accountings, and reports, and we handle modifications or termination when circumstances change.

Indiana Law & Local Experience

Guardianship Under Indiana Law

Indiana guardianships are governed by Title 29, Article 3 of the Indiana Code. A court can appoint a guardian for a minor or for an adult who is incapacitated, and Indiana law encourages limited guardianships that preserve as much of the person’s independence as possible.

Guardianship often overlaps with probate, for example when a minor or an incapacitated adult is entitled to an inheritance or a settlement. Our attorneys handle guardianships alongside our estate planning and probate work.

We serve clients throughout Central Indiana: Westfield, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Fishers.

Indiana guardianship attorney meeting with a family to discuss a guardianship petition

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions About Guardianship in Indiana

We know you have questions. Here are answers to the concerns Indiana families most often bring to our office about guardianship.

What is the difference between a guardianship and a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a document a person signs while they still have capacity, naming someone to act for them. A guardianship is created by a court when a person can no longer make those decisions and no adequate plan is in place. When a valid power of attorney exists, a guardianship may not be necessary.

Can grandparents get guardianship of a grandchild in Indiana?

Yes. Grandparents and other relatives can petition for guardianship of a minor when the parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child. A guardianship does not terminate the parents’ rights, and the court decides based on the child’s best interests.

Do I need a guardianship when my child with a disability turns 18?

Once a child turns eighteen, parents no longer have automatic legal authority to make medical or financial decisions. Depending on your child’s abilities, a full or limited guardianship, or a less restrictive option such as a power of attorney, may be appropriate. We help you weigh those choices.

Can my guardianship case be handled virtually?

Yes. We offer fully virtual services across all areas of family law, so you can get the legal help you need without extra time away from work or family.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Let’s Build a Plan That Protects What Matters Most

You do not have to navigate a guardianship alone. Our attorneys make the process clear, compassionate, and focused on protecting the person you care about.

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Serving Hamilton County · Marion County · Boone County · Westfield · Indianapolis · Carmel · Noblesville · Zionsville · Fishers · Cicero