Can a minor choose their own guardian?
In New Jersey, a minor, or someone under the age of 18, most likely cannot choose their own guardian. In a situation where a minor does not have a parent or legal guardian, such as in the case of death or abandonment, the court will usually appoint a guardian for the minor. The appointed guardian would then become the legal guardian of the minor. However, a minor may be able to express their opinion about who they would like to be their guardian if a parent or legal guardian is unable to fulfill their duties. The court can take the minor’s opinion into consideration when deciding on a guardian, but ultimately the court is responsible for making the final decision. It is also worth noting that a minor’s opinion may not be taken into consideration if they are not of legal age. In New Jersey, a minor must be at least 14 years old to legally consent to their own guardianship. Therefore, it is unlikely that a minor can choose their own guardian in New Jersey. The court ultimately has the final say in appointing a guardian for a minor. However, a minor’s opinion can be taken into consideration if they are at least 14 years old.
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