when we think of guardianship, most of us think of who to name as legal guardians for our children. You know, just in case.

It’s hard to imagine Mom or Dad needing a legal guardian.

Something about that concept just doesn’t fit into what most of us see as the natural order of life.

Mom and Dad have always been there to take care of us. Why would either of them ever need a legal guardian?

As our population ages and we live longer than ever before in history, our parents needing a legal guardian is a harsh reality that many of us will eventually face.

As the body ages, the mind also loses its ability to function clearly. For that reason, laws have been established to allow incapacitated people to have guardians appointed to help them with making decisions and taking care of their affairs.

Here are a few things you need to know about the guardianship process.