Protecting Vulnerable Loved Ones Through Compassionate, Experienced Legal Representation

When a loved one is unable to make safe or informed decisions due to age, disability, illness, or incapacity, guardianship may be necessary to protect their health, safety, finances, and overall wellbeing. At Knight, Stockton & Cunningham (KSC Law), our guardianship attorneys help families throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas navigate the legal process with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Whether you are seeking guardianship of a child, an elderly parent, or an adult with special needs, our team provides the guidance you need to make informed decisions and ensure your loved one receives proper care.

Guardianship is a legal process where a court appoints an individual (the guardian) to make personal, medical, and/or financial decisions for another person (the ward) who cannot manage these matters on their own.

A guardianship may be necessary when a person is unable to care for themselves due to:

• Dementia or Alzheimer's
   
• Developmental or intellectual disabilities
   
• Mental illness
   
• Severe injury or illness
   
• Substance abuse issues
   
• Minor children without a stable or available parent
   

Our attorneys work to help families and caregivers understand their responsibilities, explore less-restrictive alternatives, and determine the most appropriate type of guardianship for their situation.

KSC Law represents clients across Oklahoma and Arkansas in a full range of guardianship matters, including:

When an adult cannot manage personal, medical, or financial decisions, the court may appoint a guardian to:

• Make healthcare decisions
   
• Handle finances and property
   
• Ensure safety and living arrangements
   
• Manage daily care and long-term planning
   

Adult guardianship is often used for elderly individuals experiencing cognitive decline or adults with disabilities who need continued support.

Guardianship for minors may be needed when:

• A parent is incarcerated
   
• A parent is incapacitated or unable to provide stable care
   
• Parents have passed away
   
• A child needs temporary placement during a crisis
   

We help relatives, grandparents, and trusted caregivers obtain legal authority to make decisions for a child in need.

In urgent situations, courts in Oklahoma and Arkansas allow for temporary guardianship when immediate protection is required. This may be necessary when:

• A vulnerable adult is at risk of harm
   
• A parent suddenly becomes unable to care for a child
   
• Medical decisions must be made right away
   

Our attorneys can move quickly to file emergency motions and protect your loved one.

When a person can make some decisions but needs help in other areas, a limited guardianship may be appropriate. This gives the guardian authority only in the areas where the ward needs assistance — preserving as much independence as possible.

Over time, circumstances change. We help with:

• Changing guardians
   
• Adding or removing powers
   
• Ending a guardianship when no longer necessary
   
• Addressing disputes or concerns about a current guardian
   

While Oklahoma and Arkansas have similar guardianship frameworks, each state has specific requirements. In both states, the process generally includes:

A formal request is submitted to the court describing why guardianship is necessary. This may be done by a family member, caregiver, or other interested party.

The court may appoint an investigator, guardian ad litem, or medical evaluator to assess the situation and report findings.

A judge reviews evidence, hears testimony, and determines whether guardianship is needed and who is best suited to serve.

If approved, the guardian receives legal authority to act on behalf of the ward.

Guardians must follow reporting requirements in Oklahoma or Arkansas, including:

• Annual reports
   
• Financial accounting
   
• Care plans
   
• Compliance with court oversight
   

Our attorneys guide guardians through each step — from petition to appointment to long-term reporting.

Courts may require families to consider less restrictive options before ordering guardianship. Depending on your situation, alternatives may include:

• Power of Attorney
   
• Healthcare Proxy
   
• Advance Directive
   
• Supported Decision-Making
   
• Representative Payee
   
• Trust arrangements
   

We evaluate all possible options and help you pursue the least restrictive path that still protects your loved one.

Families throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas choose KSC Law because we offer:

• Compassionate guidance during emotionally difficult situations
   
• Deep knowledge of guardianship laws in both states
   
• Experience with complex and contested guardianships
   
• Clear communication about your obligations and responsibilities
   
• Fast action in emergency cases
   
• Holistic support, often coordinating with estate planning, probate, elder law, and family law needs
   

Your loved one’s safety, dignity, and wellbeing matter — and we take that responsibility seriously.

While not legally required in all cases, guardianship is a complex court process. An attorney helps avoid mistakes, delays, and disputes — and ensures you meet all legal requirements.

Emergency guardianships can be granted quickly (sometimes within days). Full guardianship may take several weeks to months depending on the case.

Yes. Parents, relatives, or the proposed ward may contest a guardianship. Our attorneys represent clients in contested hearings and guardianship disputes.

A power of attorney is granted voluntarily by a competent adult. Guardianship is court-imposed when the individual cannot make decisions themselves.

If you need to establish guardianship or are caring for a loved one who cannot safely manage their own affairs, the attorneys at KSC Law are here to help. We guide families through every step of the process with compassion, clarity, and experienced legal advocacy.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist with your guardianship needs.