What is a guardianship for a child?
A guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a responsible adult, known as the guardian, is appointed by the Washington court to make decisions on behalf of a minor child. The guardian (also known as the conservator or custodian) is responsible for the child’s well-being, including providing for their physical and financial needs. In most cases, the court requires a guardian to provide for the child’s physical well-being, including providing them with food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. The guardian is also responsible for making decisions about the child’s education, activities, and social interaction. Financial responsibilities of the guardian may include ensuring the child has access to an adequate allowance for daily-living needs, contributing to the child’s college and medical expenses, and providing for the child’s long-term financial needs. The guardian is responsible for guiding the child until they reach the age of majority in Washington, which is 18. The guardian must abide by the court’s care plan for the child and provide regular reports on the child’s well-being and progress to the court. When the child turns 18, the guardianship ends and the child assumes legal rights and responsibilities as an adult.
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