Q&A

When do parents get guardianship over their children?

When do parents get guardianship over their children?

When parents obtain guardianship over their child, it essentially restores the rights, powers and authority that they had when their child was a minor. And we typically try to accomplish this when the children are turning 18.

When to file for guardianship of a child with special needs?

To make sure there is not a gap in your child’s guardianship when he or she turns 18, it’s important to prepare your petition to the court well in advance of your child’s 18th birthday.

When is a guardianship appointment can be overturned?

A guardianship appointment may be overturned under the following circumstances: If a court determines that the guardian is no longer carrying out his or her guardianship duties; If the child’s biological parent requests that the guardianship be terminated and the parent shows that he or she is willing and able to care for the child; or

How is a guardianship set up in juvenile court?

Find out more about guardianships in juvenile court. A probate guardianship of the person is set up because a child is living with an adult who is not the child’s parent, and the adult needs a court order to make decisions on behalf of the child.

Can you become a guardian if a child is left something in a will?

Yes, if a child is left something in a person’s will, you may need to become the child’s guardian. Courts are reluctant to hand over financial assets intended for a child to the child’s parents. The concern is that parents will misuse a gift that was intended for the child.

When to apply for guardianship of your child?

In order to retain guardianship of your child, you need to have the court appoint you as your child’s guardian. To make sure there is not a gap in your child’s guardianship when he or she turns 18, it’s important to prepare your petition to the court well in advance of your child’s 18th birthday.

Can a private guardianship petition change the placement of a child?

However, if there is already an open child protection case in court, known as a CHIPS (Child in Need of Protection or Services) proceeding, a private guardianship petition cannot be used to change the placement of the child.

A guardianship appointment may be overturned under the following circumstances: If a court determines that the guardian is no longer carrying out his or her guardianship duties; If the child’s biological parent requests that the guardianship be terminated and the parent shows that he or she is willing and able to care for the child; or