What is a guardianship for a child?

A guardianship for a child is a legal arrangement in which a court assigns an adult to be responsible for a minor’s care and well-being. When a guardianship is put in place, the guardian has the ability to make decisions regarding the care and upbringing of the child, including medical treatments, educational choices, and other decisions that the guardian believes are in the child’s best interest. In California, guardianships are usually put in place when the parents are unable to take care of the child or when the child is in need of special care that the parents cannot provide. In California, guardianships can be granted by a court to a family member, such as a grandparent, a close relative, or an unrelated adult. The court must decide that appointment of a guardian is in the best interest of the child. Generally, the court will look at whether the prospective guardian is capable of providing emotional and financial security, and has a relationship with the child that demonstrates a genuine commitment to the child’s welfare. In some cases, the court may also appoint a lawyer to represent the interests of the child in the guardianship process. The lawyer’s role is to make sure that the child’s rights are protected. The lawyer will make sure that the court understands the best interests of the child and that the guardianship arrangement is in the child’s best interests. Once the court grants the guardianship, the guardian has the power to make decisions regarding the child’s care.

Related FAQs

Can a guardianship be contested?
What are the rights of the guardian?
How much does it cost to become a guardian?
How is a guardianship different from government benefits?
Can a minor choose their own guardian?
Can an individual object to a guardianship?
Can a guardianship be changed?
How can a person become a guardian?
What is the difference between guardianship and conservatorship?
Who is responsible for making medical decisions when there is a guardianship in place?

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