Guardianship

A guardian is an individual (or an institution) appointed by the court to make decisions for another (the ward). A guardianship is a legal relationship created by the court. A guardian can be appointed to care for a minor child or an incompetent adult.

To be named guardian of a minor, the party wanting to be guardian requests the court to create the guardian relationship. The guardianship of a minor remains under court supervision until the child reaches age 18. A guardianship of a minor child takes away the parents’ right to make decisions about their child’s life. However, it does not permanently terminate parental rights.

A guardian can also be someone appointed to take care of an incompetent or incapable adult in order to take care of their affairs.

The law required that guardians not benefit financially at the expense of those for whom they care and make decision. In most cases, the court requires the guardian to periodically report to court regarding the decisions made and/or money spent on behalf of the minor child or incompetent adult.

If you have questions about a guardianship, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.