Representing Young Adults with Disabilities in Guardianship Proceedings
In 2021, Lowenstein launched a new partnership with the Legal Assistance to Medical Patients Project of Legal Services of New Jersey to represent in uncontested guardianship proceedings young people who have developmental disabilities. Most guardianship cases involve a parent who has cared for the child since birth and is seeking legal guardianship to continue making health, financial, and legal decisions once the child reaches adulthood. Under New Jersey law, people with disabilities must be represented by counsel in guardianship proceedings. Historically, there have not been enough lawyers to meet the need. This project aims to narrow that gap by training a cadre of lawyers to provide caring and competent counsel to clients with disabilities to ensure they have a strong voice in their guardianship proceedings.
