In Maryland and elsewhere, as a person approaches their later years, he or she may no longer be able to make fully informed decisions on even their most basic needs. However, the law fortunately allows the creation of a guardianship, which is a court-created legal vehicle that allows someone else, such as a child or spouse, to take care of the ailing individual. In some cases, though, a person may run into friction with others as they seek the creation of a guardianship.
That appears to be the case with a recent matter involving Zsa Zsa Gabor’s current husband, as well as her daughter. Gabor, who is 95 years old, is currently ill and requires significant medical care. Her daughter is thus seeking the creation of a guardianship, which would be able to independently control the woman’s medical and financial affairs.
Of concern to the daughter, though, are the alleged actions of Gabor’s husband. She alleges that the husband has been isolating Gabor and even leaving her in a heavily sedated state. Moreover, she questions many of the financial decisions he is making, which may include going against the wishes of Gabor as outlined in her estate planning documents.
In this case, a guardianship, which may also be referred to as a conservatorship, could help with ensuring that all of Gabor’s assets are properly managed. This would protect the woman’s estate, and a guardian could also help with seeing that Gabor gets the medical care that she needs. As the case now moves forward in a California court, it may be worthwhile keeping an eye on it here in Maryland, especially as similar, though lower profile circumstances take place frequently.
Source: New York Daily News, “Zsa Zsa Gabor’s daughter files for conservatorship,” March 20, 2012
