Family Law

Guardianships

Guardianship Picture

A guardianship is a court proceeding in which a Judge may award custody of a child or the power to manage a child's property to a person who is not the child's parent. The guardian of a child has full physical and legal custody of the child.

Guardian Responsibilities

Generally, the guardian is accountable for the following:

  • Food, shelter, and clothing for the child.

  • The child's emotional and physical growth.

  • The child's education.

  • The child's medical and dental care.

  • The child's protection and safety.

  • The child's behavior and actions.

The Judge of the Court may order a guardian over a child when the child's parents are not able to properly care for the child. The Judge's primary goal is to award custody to the party who can provide what is in the best interest of the child.

What May the Judge Consider?

The following are reasons why a Judge may find that the child's parents are unable to properly care for the child:

  • One or both parents have a severe physical illness.

  • One or both parents are going to jail or prison for some time.

  • One or both parents must go overseas for military purposes.

  • One or both parents will be in a rehab facility for some time.

  • One or both parents abuse alcohol or drugs.

  • One or both parents have a history of domestic violence.

  • One or both parents cannot take care of the child for other reasons.

Who Can Be Guardians?

Ordinarily, the guardian of a child will be a relative or friend of the family. However, other people may act as legal guardians. You are encouraged to click here to read the Guardianship Pamphlet (GC-205).

Let Us Prepare Your Guardianship Documents Today!

If you have any additional questions and would like for us to prepare and file a Petition for Guardianship, feel free to call us at (888) 335-6258. Trust us, preparing the forms are confusing, so you should seek professional help. We are professionals with several years of experience. We can assure you that your documents will be typed and prepared in a professional and competent manner. We provide all documents and forms needed so that all you need to do is sign and appear in court. Plus we offer free consultations! Below is a list of forms that may be needed to file a petition for guardianship:

  • Form GC-210(P), Petition for Appointment of Guardian of the Person
  • Form GC-210, Petition for Appointment of Guardian of the Minor
  • Form GC-210(CA), Guardianship Petition-Child Information Attachment
  • Form FL-105/GC-120, Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
  • Form GC-212, Confidential Guardian Screening Form
  • Form GC-211, Consent of Proposed Guardian
  • Form GC-020, Notice of hearing-Guardianship or Conservatorship
  • Form GC-240, Order Appointing Guardian of the Minor
  • Form GC-248, Duties of Guardian and Acknowledgment of Receipt
  • Form GC-250, Letters of Guardianship

The above information has been attorney approved. Please read our disclaimer.