Protecting Families Across All Five Boroughs
NYC Guardianship Attorneys
When a loved one can no longer make safe decisions, you need legal authority — fast. LGK Lawyers handles Article 81 guardianship proceedings in every New York City borough, from emergency petitions to contested hearings.
Guardianship Situations We Handle in NYC
Every family's situation is different. If any of these sound familiar, guardianship may be the right path — and we can tell you for certain during a free consultation.
01
A Parent Who Can No Longer Manage
Your mother or father has dementia, Alzheimer's, or a cognitive decline that makes it unsafe for them to handle finances or medical decisions on their own.
03
Contested Guardianship
Another family member disagrees about who should serve as guardian, or the person is resisting the petition. We handle contested proceedings in New York City Supreme Court.
02
Emergency Situations
A family member is in immediate danger — financial exploitation, medical neglect, or a health crisis that requires someone to step in now. We file emergency petitions in NYC courts.
04
Transition from Power of Attorney
A power of attorney was never signed, was revoked, or is no longer sufficient because your loved one's condition has worsened beyond what a POA covers.
Dealing With a Guardianship Situation in NYC?
Talk to an attorney who handles these cases every day. Your first call is free.
Or call our NYC office: (347) 919-6050
20-minute call. No obligation.
What Happens After You Reach Out
What to Expect When You Call
Free 20-Minute Call
Tell us what's going on. We'll listen, ask a few questions, and give you an honest assessment of whether guardianship is the right option.
We Review Your Situation
If you move forward, we gather the details — medical documentation, family dynamics, financial picture — and prepare your petition for the right NYC court.
We Handle the Court Process
From filing through final hearing, we represent you in New York City Supreme Court. You'll know what's happening at every step.
NYC Courts and Boroughs We Cover
The Five Boroughs
Manhattan (New York County Supreme Court)
Brooklyn (Kings County Supreme Court)
Queens (Queens County Supreme Court)
Bronx (Bronx County Supreme Court)
Staten Island (Richmond County Supreme Court)
Surrounding Counties
Westchester County
Nassau County
Suffolk County
LGK Lawyers files Article 81 guardianship petitions in every New York City borough. Our Manhattan office at 165 Broadway, Floor 23 is our office location — but we appear in courthouses across the city and surrounding counties.
What Guardianship Costs in NYC
Guardianship costs depend on your family's situation — whether the case is contested, the complexity of the person's finances, and which borough you're filing in. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Here's what affects the cost:
Court filing fees —>
Court evaluator fees —>
Attorney fees —>
Contested vs. uncontested —>
Set by NY courts
Appointed by the judge
Based on case complexity
Biggest cost factor
During your free consultation, we'll walk through the details of your case and give you an honest, realistic cost breakdown — before you commit to anything.
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
"LGK Lawyers walked us through the Article 81 guardianship process in New York step by step. They handled everything with the Court and kept us informed the whole way. If you're dealing with an aging parent in New York City and need a guardianship attorney, I can't recommend them enough."
JGD · Verified Google Review
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Article 81 Guardianship case take in NYC?
The Article 81 process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from petition filing to guardianship order for uncontested cases. Emergency guardianship orders can be obtained much faster — sometimes within days — when there's an immediate risk to the person's safety or finances. Contested cases take longer depending on complexity.
Can I file for guardianship in any borough
The petition is typically filed in the county where the person who needs a guardian lives. If your loved one lives in Brooklyn, for example, you'd file in Kings County Supreme Court. LGK Lawyers handles guardianship cases across all five boroughs.
Whats the difference between guardianship and power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a document someone signs voluntarily while they still have mental capacity. If that window has passed — if your loved one can no longer understand or sign legal documents — guardianship through an Article 81 proceeding is typically the only legal path to gain authority over their care and finances.
Do I need a lawyer for guardianship in New York City?
You're not legally required to have an attorney, but guardianship proceedings in NYC involve court filings, hearings before a judge, a court-appointed evaluator, and strict legal requirements under Mental Hygiene Law Article 81. Most families find that having experienced legal counsel makes the process significantly smoother and reduces the risk of delays or complications.
How much does guardianship cost in NYC?
Guardianship costs in New York City depend on several factors — whether anyone opposes the petition, the complexity of the person's finances, court evaluator fees (set by the judge), and filing fees set by the courts. Every case is different, and we don't believe in quoting numbers without understanding your situation first. During your free consultation, we'll give you a realistic cost breakdown based on the specifics of your case.
Related Practice Areas
Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care proxies for New York families.
Free Consultation
Start With a Conversation.
Every family situation is different. A 20-minute call with one of our attorneys costs you nothing — and gives you a clear picture of your legal options and what to do next.
✓ New York State Bar Association
✓ Admitted: New York Supreme Court, NYC (all five boroughs)
✓ Admitted: New York Supreme Court, Saratoga County & Capital Region
✓ Confidential