Free Webcast: Alternatives to Guardianship in Common Legal Aid Cases

When: Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at 10:30-11:30 P.T./1:30-2:30 E.T.

Civil legal aid attorneys working with older adults encounter urgent cases that, at first, may seem to require guardianship, such as obtaining public benefits or housing for individuals with diminished capacity. In their efforts to assist individuals with their pressing civil legal problems, it can be challenging to know what less restrictive alternatives exist and how to assist clients in accessing them.

Most states require alternatives to be considered before initiating a guardianship action or may require proof that a guardianship is necessary before continuing an existing guardianship. Less restrictive alternatives to guardianship typically include a power of attorney, health care representative or agent, financial representative or agent, trust, and other decision-making supports. This session will walk through case studies of common legal aid cases to explore these alternatives, ways to ensure effective communications supports, and tools for assessing the client’s mental capacity and their ability to make informed choices.

Participants will gain:

1. Knowledge to identify 3-5 less restrictive alternatives to guardianship.
2. Valuable “how to” skills and information on how to assist clients in accessing less restrictive alternatives to guardianship.
3. Increased competency on tools for effective communication with their client(s).

Presenters:

• Erica Costello, Senior Attorney/Chief Counsel, ABA Commission on Law and Aging
• Elizabeth Moran, Senior Attorney/Chief Counsel, ABA Commission on Law and Aging
   

Closed captioning will be available on this webcast. A link with access to the captions will be shared through GoToWebinar’s chat box shortly before the webcast start time.

This training will be presented in a WEBCAST format to accommodate more participants. Due to the high volume of participants, computer audio will be the only option to listen to the presentation. No telephone call-in number will be provided. Please plan accordingly. Thank you. 

This webcast will be recorded and available on our website shortly after the presentation. The recording and training materials will also be emailed to all registrants within a few days after the training.

The webcast will take place on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. PT/1:30 p.m. ET and will run for one hour.