Families across Rockland County — from Spring Valley and New City to Suffern and Nyack — face guardianship decisions that carry serious legal consequences. Russel Morgan, Esq. guides families through every track, filing in the right court from day one.
Which Court Handles Your Case?
| Situation | Governing Law | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Adult unable to manage personal needs or property | MHL Article 81 | Supreme Court, Rockland County |
| Minor’s person or property | SCPA Article 17 | Rockland County Surrogate’s Court |
| Developmentally disabled person (often turning 18) | SCPA Article 17-A | Rockland County Surrogate’s Court |
Misrouting a petition wastes time and money. We verify jurisdiction before filing.
What to Expect When You Reach Out
- We review whether alternatives to guardianship — such as a durable Power of Attorney (GOL §5-1513) or Health Care Proxy — may be sufficient
- For Article 81 guardianship, we assess whether the incapacity standard (clear and convincing evidence of harm) is met
- We discuss guardian duties, including the 90-day initial report and annual filings required by MHL Article 81
- For minor or 17-A matters, we identify whether the Surrogate’s Court track applies
Schedule a consultation with Russel Morgan, Esq.:
Book a 30-Minute Call
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: how Article 81 guardianship works.