elder law & Guardianship

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In the case of minors or in the absence of health directives, a living will or power of attorney, it may become necessary to petition the court for a Conservatorship or Guardianship. This is when award oversight of a loved one's care and finances. If an adult becomes mentally or physically unable to manage his or her own affairs and is no longer able to delegate someone to do it for him/her, a Conservator can make the necessary decisions. A Conservatorship provides a higher degree of protection for the Ward than other alternatives due to court oversight of the Ward.

Similarly, guardianship may be necessary for minors that become owners of assets or property before they are adults.  The Guardian is tasked with managing the minor's funds until released by the Court.

Executors and Administrators are typically an average person, not a CPA or accountant. Our attorneys can assist families,  executors and administrators with probate and execution of trusts and wills. The executor or administrator is responsible for several processes and filings on behalf of the estate in order to  settle the descendant’s affairs. 

It can be time consuming, overwhelming and stressful.  Our attorneys can help make sure that process is followed efficiently, in a way that is organized, and help keep all heirs informed on behalf of the executor or administrator.

Our attorneys can help you alleviate stress and uncertainty when it comes to your wishes for end of life care with explicit advance directives for your health and any limitations you'd like. 

It helps to let loved ones know your intentions for your care and who is to be your health advocate and proxy in the event you are unable to speak for yourself. 

The attorneys of Tual Graves can help with medical power of attorney, living will, or advance directive.

With all of the details laid out, families can carry out your wishes without doubt or guilt, knowing you chose this for yourself.

A key to estate planning is succession planning for decisions in your life. Unfortunately, there may come a time when we are unable to manage our finances or daily affairs. In the event that happens due to illness or accident, a Power of Attorney can be established with a person you trust. By officially granting this oversight, they can expediently and efficiently take care of your financial and health needs without hindrance.

In addition to planning for earned income, your estate will often include real estate, retirement benefits and investments. Additionally, our estate planning attorneys can work with you and help make plans if your health requires you to stay in a long term care facility.

In the event that you or your family is facing long term care, our attorneys can help work through options and affordability, as well as asset  preservation as the law of Tennessee allows.