Guardianship in Practice:
Protecting Autonomy and Navigating Authority

FEATURING: Dean Horrigan, Attorney at Law
CEO, Elder Advocates and Estates, LLC

September 11, 2025
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

The program is being offered at no charge to attendees and includes continuing education credits for nurses, social workers/counselors and long-term care administrators. Community members who are not seeking continuing education are also strongly encouraged to attend this informative talk.

Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this program, participants will be able to identify the legal principles of guardianship, recognize less restrictive alternatives, apply strategies to support informed decision-making and autonomy in diverse care settings and discuss ethical considerations surrounding advocacy and preserving autonomy.

About the Speaker
Dean Horrigan is a seasoned and passionate attorney dedicated to addressing the legal needs of older Americans. With degrees in Accounting and Law from the University of Toledo, he holds licenses to practice law in Ohio and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Dean's legal practice centers around crucial areas that directly impact older individuals and their families. His services include Estate and Trust planning and administration, Advance Directives, Guardianships, Medicaid eligibility for the elderly, as well as safeguarding the elderly from financial exploitation and abuse. Additionally, Dean handles Will and Trust contests and serves as a neutral Administrator in disputed estates.

Dean actively participates in several organizations that champion the rights and well-being of senior citizens, including the Northwest Ohio Gerontological Association and Senior Collaborative. Throughout his career, Dean has been actively engaged on various boards and councils, such as the Advance Care Planning Coalition of Greater Toledo and the Lutheran Social Services Volunteer Guardianship Program.

In recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to the elderly and the field of elder law, Dean has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Community Service Award from the Area Office on Aging. Most notably, he received the esteemed 2020 Access to Justice Public Interest Law Award, solidifying his reputation as a trusted leader in the legal community.

How to Register
To register for this event, email Mary Davis at mdavis@hospicenwo.org. Deadline to register is September 8.
Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. for check in on June 5. Light refreshments will be provided.