Guardianships For Children

When the parents of a child are no longer able to care for the child, a Guardianship is needed. Unfortunately, so many people are unprepared and do not designate a guardian for their child, so the court must. 

At the RJ Fichera Law Firm, we want you to understand how setting up a Guardianship as part of your Estate Plan is critical if you have minor children.

Contact us by filling out the online form or contacting us directly at 610-768-9255 to schedule a Free Consultation. We want what's best for you and your family, and preparing for the future through a Guardianship is critical to that end.

What Constitutes a Guardianship

A Guardianship bestows legal authority to a specific person to make decisions for another person, typically a minor child, when that child's parents are unable to care for the child. This person with legal authority is referred to as the “Guardian.” The subject (child) of the guardianship is referred to as the “protected person” or “ward.”

Endowed with legal authority, the guardian is responsible for well-being and care of the child and can make decisions about the child's:

• Healthcare
• Residency
• Education
• Religion

Guardianship may also be needed over the child's estate when the child has inherited assets. The Guardian will manage these assets until the child is an adult.

Reasons a Guardianship Might be Needed

Parents almost always have the legal right to make decisions for their children unless parental rights have been terminated. When parents cannot make those decisions, someone must step in to do it. This often happens when both parents have died or when both parents are incapacitated in some way by illness or injury. It can also be a situation where one parent has died or has no parental rights while the other parent is incapacitated.

Who Can Be Appointed a Guardian

Who the Guardian is will often depend on whether or not a Guardian was designated in a living will or last will and testament. If neither of the latter was created, the court will appoint a Guardian.

A Will Controls Who Can Become a Legal Guardian

By naming a Legal Guardian in a Will or a Living Will, a parent can ensure that their child is raised in a way they would approve. While this is obviously far less desirable than raising the child on their own, parents can keep the decision from being made by someone like a judge who does not have a full understanding of their family.

Factors to Consider a Person as a Guardian

Choosing who to be a child's Legal Guardian is not easy. Parents often consider the following factors:

• Their personal relationship with the guardian
• How trustworthy and reliable the guardian is
• The age of the guardian
• Cultural or religious traits that the parent shares with the guardian
• Geographical proximity
• Whether the guardian already has children

Factors that Disqualify a Person as a Guardian

Not all people can be Guardians. Examples of when a person does not qualify as a guardian include but are not limited to people who:

• Are incompetent (e.g., cannot care for themselves properly)
• Are also a minor
• Have filed for bankruptcy in the past (e.g., within 7 years)
• Have been convicted of a felony (unless the court states otherwise)
• Have committed violent crimes or offenses involving some type of abuse against a child, spouse, parent, or another adult
• Have been suspended or disbarred from a profession that requires a state license and involves the management of money

Naming a Guardian in a Last Will and Testament, however, can have a complication for parents who each have their own Will. If both parents pass away – especially if they pass away at the same time – and their respective Wills each name someone different, it can create confusion and may require court intervention.

Courts Appoint a Guardian in the Absence of a Will

In cases where the child's parent has become incapacitated or has died, and there is no Will stating who will become the child's Legal Guardian, a court will appoint one. It will usually choose a close relative, although other people, like family friends, can ask the court to appoint them, instead.

If there are no close relatives or family friends, the child will become a ward of the state and enter the foster system. Most parents would not want this situation placed upon their child, and in part, that alone is a critical reason to prepare a Will designating a Guardian.

How Long Does a Guardianship Last?

Guardianship usually last until the child becomes an adult at the age of 18. The exception to this rule is when the child will turn 19 before they graduate from high school. The Guardianship will last throughout high school.

A Guardianship may also be terminated under other circumstances, like when/if:

• The Guardian or child dies
• The Guardian becomes incompetent
• A parent who had been incapacitated no longer is
• The Guardian requests the termination of the Guardianship, and the court approves

In cases where the protected child is not yet an adult, the court will appoint another Guardian unless the Will indicates an alternative Guardian, which should always be indicated.

Protect Your Minor Child: Contact Our Law Firm Today

If you have minor children, you want to make sure they are protected. A Guardianship is one way to secure their livelihood and futures in a way that aligns with your family's values and customs. At RJ Fichera Law Firm, We will help you identify what components will work best in your Estate Plan, whether it includes a Guardianship, as well as other tools, like a Testamentary Trust.

Please review our Concierge Estate Planning Service under Legal Plans or Click here for information on Pricing .

For more information, review our VEPs page, and review the various ways that we can assist you and your family with your Estate Planning.

Isn't it time to take care of this? Get started today - For Free!

Contact us today either online or at 610-768-9255 to schedule a Free Consultation and learn more.