In my many years of working with persons with significant disabilities I have seen people taken advantage of by every part of society.
I decided to become a Certified Professional Guardian so I can do SomthinGgreat for people who deserved it, but couldn't advocate for themselves. It is my goal to establish the best guardianship services that go above and beyond what others do.
There are systems and laws in place to help persons with disabilities take advantage of all the benefits of society, but sometimes people need reminded how to follow the laws. Being an attorney and a professional guardian allows me to help in many different ways. Philip Wade, JD, CPG
Some people who need a guardian have significant disabilities that result in them not being aware of how decisions are made for them or who is making those decisions. Family members may recognize that their loved one is unable to make safe decisions about their life or money, but still not seek a legal guardianship because they don't understand guardianships, they think it is too costly, or they don't want to take away the person's rights. Yet, a proper guardianship will give more to the person than take away.
The legal process should only give to the guardian those rights and decision making responsibilities that the person can not perform themselves. It is NOT an all or none situation. I help design guardianships to meet the unique needs of each person so they retain all those rights and abilities they can safely exercise.
Like all professional services, the level and quality of service depends mostly upon the personality, intelect, and skills of the person you hire. As guardian it is my duty to make sure that everyone else is doing their job so that all available resources can help my clients. It is often frustrating dealing with . . . well with everyone. It takes a firm but professional advocate to get everyone willingly doing what they should to make my client's life the best it can be under the circumstances.
Be aware that there are many legal requirements of a guardian and there are several legal processes that need to be followed. A guardianship is monitored by the court system and the judge is the "boss" and ultimate supervisor of the guardian. Making sure all the t's are crossed and i's are dotted is good practice.
I am a Certified Professional Guardian, which requires certain application requirements as well as ongoing training. Yet, those are not the real important factors in a quality guardian. I am also a licensed attorney and is thus familiar with the laws related to guardianships as well as many other areas of law that benefit my clients.
I am a Board Member of the Washington Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment keeping aware of larger issues facing persons with disabilities in our state.
I am a Board Member of the Arc of Kitsap and Jefferson Counties staying involved in some real services and issues of persons with disabilities in our local communities.
You should feel free to call me to discuss anything of interest as well as possibly making an appointment to meet. I never accept an appointment as guardian without first meeting the client and hopefully their family or others who care about them.
Please call before visiting my office.
216 Sixth St., Bremerton, WA 98366 (office location)
In addition to making sure my clients are getting all their needs met, I also like to personally take those who are able out to have fun and increase their social skills.
Three of my clients wanted to try driving and so we all went to the go cart speedway to have fun and realize how difficult driving can be - and fun!
Click the next section "services / helping you" for more pictures of this trip (one of many fun activities with the guardian). Activities are matched to the abilities and personalities of each client. Services / Helping You
