What is an informal guardianship?

An informal guardianship is a guardianship arrangement that is not set up or recognized by a court, and is often used during emergency situations. In Alaska, informal guardianships are often temporary guardianships that enable an adult to make decisions concerning the care needs of a minor. An informal guardian is typically the parent of the child, or another adult who is related to the child, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle. Informal guardianships in Alaska may be both written and verbal. Informal guardianships are sometimes referred to as “limited guardianships” since the scope of authority and the amount of decision-making authority that the guardian has is typically limited. For example, an informal guardian may only be authorized to make decisions concerning the minor’s health care or school enrollment without the right to access the minor’s bank accounts or give the minor permission to enter contracts. An informal guardianship usually lasts until a court-appointed guardian is in place, or until a child’s parents are able to assume responsibility for the child’s care. In Alaska, the court has the authority to terminate an informal guardianship if it is determined that the guardianship is not in the best interest of the child. In some cases, informal guardianships can be converted to a formal guardianship, or the court can appoint a new guardian.

Related FAQs

Who is responsible for making medical decisions when there is a guardianship in place?
Are there age restrictions for guardians?
What is the difference between a guardian and a conservator?
How does a guardianship end?
What is an alternative to guardianship?
What are the rights of the guardian?
What is the court process for guardianship?
What is the difference between a guardian and a custodian?
How does a court decide to appoint a guardian?
What is an emergency guardianship?

What is an informal guardianship?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts