Guardianship

The guardianship process allows a person to be appointed as a caregiver of a minor child or an adult unable to care for themselves. In a guardianship of a minor child, the guardian has responsibilities similar to those of a parent. The guardian must provide for the child’s basic needs such as food, shelter, education, and medical care. Importantly, guardianships do not sever the relationship between the child and the biological parents, but merely provide for the child’s care in the parents’ absence or incapacity. 

A guardianship over an adult is very similar to that of a minor child. When someone petitions to be appointed as guardian over an adult, the Court first determines whether the adult’s incapacity causes them to be unable to make decisions or handle their own affairs. This typically happens when an adult has a severe physical or mental illness or condition. Then, the Court determines whether the appointment of a guardian is necessary to provide for the incapacitated adult, and whether appointing the proposed guardian is in the adult’s best interests. 

If you are considering a guardianship, get in touch with Deckard Law. Contact us today!