Sometimes we are faced with a situation where a dear friend or family member has failed to plan ahead for a period of declining mental or physical capacity. When no voluntary documents are in place (power of attorney, trust, health care power of attorney), we are forced to go to court to obtain the authority to direct the care for individuals who cannot safely do so themselves. The court appoints guardians and conservators to protect them from their own declining mental faculties and poor judgment. This court process is known as guardianship and conservatorship in Oregon. It is an expensive process and it is overseen by the court from beginning to end.

While it is a last resort, sometimes is it our only option to keep our loved one safe and secure.