Guardianship Establishment and Management: Essential Questions Answered

At The Law Office of J. Michael Clay, we understand that the process of establishing and maintaining legal guardianship can raise a number of important questions. Our Frequently Asked Questions page is designed to provide clarity on when, why, and how you can obtain legal guardianship for a child, as well as how to sustain the guardianship effectively once it’s in place.

How Do I Begin the Process of Establishing a Guardianship?

Initiating a guardianship requires the filing of legal documents with the court. Upon submitting your application, a court investigator will conduct interviews with you, the child, and the parents, if they are present and alive. The investigator presents recommendations for the judge to consider. After a court hearing, the judge makes a decision, focusing on the child’s best interests as the priority when considering your appointment as a guardian.

For parents looking to designate a guardian for their children in the event they are unable to care for them, it is advisable to include your choice of guardian in your last will and testament.

Is It Possible to Become a Guardian Against the Parents’ Wishes?

Typically, courts grant guardianship under the following conditions:

• Voluntary consent from the parents,
• Parental abandonment of the child, or
• A judicial determination that parental custody would harm the child.

In situations where the parents are opposed to the guardianship, you must generally demonstrate the parents’ incapacity to care for the child. Navigating such cases usually requires the support of an experienced attorney.

The Law Office of J. Michael Clay can provide the necessary guidance if you encounter objections from other family members, such as siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Who Is Financially Responsible for a Child in Guardianship?

Biological parents typically bear financial responsibility for their children, and their parental rights are often not terminated in guardianship instances. However, guardians may assume the role of seeking financial support for the child. This can involve applying for public assistance and Social Security benefits.

Guardians must use all funds received on the child’s behalf for the child’s needs and might be accountable to the court for the management of such funds, demonstrating how they were used for the child’s benefit.

What Are the Implications of Guardianship Responsibilities?

Before pursuing guardianship, it is prudent to evaluate your readiness for such a commitment. Consider these points:

• Are you prepared for the legal responsibilities and any associated liabilities that come with guardianship?
• If the child’s finances will be in your hands, are you committed to maintaining detailed records, complying with the court’s reporting requirements, and seeking judicial approval for particular financial decisions?
• Evaluate the personal bond with the child and whether you are willing to undertake the role of the child’s legal parent throughout the guardianship.
• Reflect on your current relationship with the child’s parents and foresee if they will be supportive or obstructive.
• Assess any potential negative impact on your personal life and whether you can devote the requisite time and resources to rearing a child.
• Financial considerations are also crucial. If you anticipate insufficient funds from external sources to support the child adequately, are you willing and able to contribute financially?
• Consider the prospects of facing challenges from the child’s relatives, who might question the guardianship at a later stage.

It’s wise to thoroughly deliberate these aspects before commencing guardianship proceedings. If you find yourself contemplating your decision, reach out to us at The Law Office of J. Michael Clay at 210-694-5205 for personalized legal advice and support.

Remember that we offer a Free Consultation to help guide you through these important decisions, ensuring the well-being of both you and the child in question.