Southaven Guardianship Lawyer

Providing Legal Protection for Children and Vulnerable Adults

A guardianship allows someone to make legal, financial, and personal decisions for a person who can’t manage those responsibilities alone. In Mississippi, this often applies to minors without parents available to care for them, or adults who need support because of illness, age, or disability.

At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we guide families through every step of establishing and managing guardianships in Southaven and throughout DeSoto County. For more than 25 years, our firm has helped local residents secure the legal authority needed to protect their loved ones while ensuring the process meets Mississippi’s strict court requirements.

Why Families Choose Stroud, Flechas & Dalton

• Over 25 Years Serving Mississippi Families
• Trusted Guidance in Chancery Court Matters
• Clear Explanations and Step-by-Step Support
• Experience with Both Adult and Minor Guardianships
• Responsive Counsel You Can Count On

To speak with a Southaven guardianship attorney, call (662) 371-6580 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Guardianships in Mississippi

A guardianship is a court-supervised legal relationship in which one person (the guardian) is appointed to make decisions for another person (the ward). The purpose is to ensure the ward’s safety, wellbeing, and financial stability when they can’t do so independently.

Mississippi’s Chancery Courts oversee guardianships to protect the rights of both the guardian and the ward. The process involves filing a petition, providing notice to interested parties, and obtaining court approval before any authority is granted.

Our attorneys assist families in preparing petitions, gathering medical and financial information, and presenting the necessary evidence to demonstrate why guardianship is needed.

Types of Guardianships

The right type of guardianship depends on who needs protection and what kind of help they require.

• Guardianship of a Minor: Appointed when a child’s parents are deceased, absent, or unable to care for them. The guardian assumes legal responsibility for the child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare.
• Guardianship of an Adult: Established when an adult is incapacitated or unable to manage personal or financial decisions due to age, illness, or disability.
• Temporary or Emergency Guardianship: Granted quickly in urgent situations where immediate action is needed to protect a person from harm.
• Limited Guardianship: Provides authority only in specific areas, such as medical care or housing, while allowing the ward to retain other rights.

Our firm helps determine which type of guardianship fits your circumstances and ensures the petition reflects the ward’s unique needs.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Guardian

Guardians act under the court’s supervision and are required to manage the ward’s affairs responsibly. Common duties include:

• Providing for the ward’s health, housing, and daily needs
• Overseeing education and medical treatment
• Managing income or benefits the ward receives
• Filing regular reports and accountings with the court
• Keeping records of major decisions and expenses

We guide guardians through these obligations, prepare filings and reports, and help avoid mistakes that could create delays or liability.