Adult Guardianships

Maryland Adult Guardianship Attorney

Helping Families Protect and Care for Incapacitated Loved Ones

When an adult is no longer able to make safe or informed decisions about their personal or financial affairs, establishing legal guardianship can provide the protection and stability they need. At The Burton Firm, our experienced Maryland adult guardianship attorney helps families navigate this sensitive process with clarity, compassion, and professionalism.

We represent clients throughout Southern Maryland, including Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, and Calvert County, guiding them through every stage of the guardianship process — from initial petition to court appointment and ongoing compliance.

What Is an Adult Guardianship?

An adult guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a court appoints someone (the guardian) to make decisions on behalf of an adult (the ward) who is unable to care for themselves or manage their own property. Guardianships are often necessary when a person experiences severe illness, cognitive decline, mental health conditions, or developmental disabilities that limit their ability to make informed choices.

Our firm helps families determine whether guardianship is necessary and ensures the process complies fully with Maryland law.

Types of Guardianships in Maryland

Maryland law recognizes two primary types of adult guardianship:

• Guardianship of the Person: Grants authority to make decisions about the individual’s health care, housing, and personal welfare.
• Guardianship of the Property: Allows the guardian to manage the individual’s financial affairs, assets, and income responsibly.

Depending on the circumstances, the court may appoint one person to handle both roles or separate guardians for personal and financial matters. The Burton Firm helps clients prepare the necessary petitions, medical certifications, and evidence to support these appointments.

When Is Guardianship Necessary?

Guardianship is generally sought when less restrictive options — such as power of attorney or advance directives — are unavailable or insufficient. It may be appropriate when an adult:

• Has dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or another cognitive impairment
• Is living with a severe physical or mental disability
• Has been hospitalized or institutionalized for long-term care
• Is unable to manage finances, medical care, or personal needs

Our goal is always to preserve as much independence and dignity as possible for the individual, while providing the protection they require.

The Adult Guardianship Process in Maryland

To establish guardianship, a petition must be filed in circuit court, along with medical certifications from qualified health professionals confirming the person’s incapacity. The court will hold a hearing to determine whether guardianship is necessary and to appoint the appropriate guardian. Attorney Aubrey Burton, Jr. represents clients through this process — ensuring petitions are complete, evidence is clear, and hearings are handled respectfully and effectively.

Once appointed, the guardian must comply with court supervision and file annual reports about the ward’s condition and financial affairs. Our firm provides ongoing counsel to help guardians meet these obligations properly and avoid legal issues.

Alternatives to Guardianship

In some cases, families can protect a loved one’s interests without a full guardianship. Alternatives such as powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, or trusts may provide sufficient legal authority to manage affairs. We evaluate each client’s circumstances carefully to recommend the least restrictive, most effective approach.

Speak with a Maryland Adult Guardianship Attorney Today

If you’re seeking guardianship for a parent, spouse, or other loved one, or if you need help fulfilling your duties as a court-appointed guardian, The Burton Firm is here to help.