Your Guide to Declaring a Guardian for Your Kids in Case You Die
If you are a parent with minor children, one of the most important aspects of your estate plan will be your chosen guardian for your children. This decision is not one to make lightly, and you also need to ensure it is legally set up so that the chosen person gets custody of your children…
What Does it Mean to be a Ward of the State
When an adult is unable to care for themselves due to disability or disease, someone else has to manage their affairs. This is often accomplished by appointing a guardian. When no family member is available to become the guardian, the adult who needs care may become a ward of the state. What is a Ward…
Understanding Guardianship for Young Adults with Disabilities
As a parent, friend, or family member of a young adult with a disability, you are intimately aware of your loved one’s capabilities and limitations. This person may require assistance in making important decisions that impact their quality of life, health, education, or financial wellbeing, among others. While acting as an informal advisor provides some…
What is Permanent Guardianship of a Child?
When you obtain permanent guardianship of a child, you are requesting the creation of a permanent legal relationship between you, as the guardian, and the child. There are many U.S. courts that will allow permanent guardianship through the court process if it is deemed in the best interest of the child. Once granted permanent guardianship, the…
Which is Better, Power of Attorney or Guardianship?
When you have a loved one who needs assistance making financial or medical decisions, you may find yourself wondering whether it is better to obtain a power of attorney or to seek a guardianship to help assist them with these matters. Which one will provide you with the best chance to take care of their…
What is the Difference Between Custody and Guardianship?
Custody and guardianship both allow someone to care for a minor child. The main difference between the two is how they’re created. Keep reading to find out more. What is Custody? Custody is a family court order that allows someone to care for a minor child. One of the most common uses of custody is…
What is Permanent Guardianship & Why Does It Matter?
The importance of selecting a viable guardian early in a child’s life cannot be understated. In the event a parent passes prematurely or becomes unable to deliver the caregiving needs of a minor child, having a responsible and loving family member or trusted friend ready may prove invaluable. Without someone who has the force of…
What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
A guardian ad litem represents the best interests of a child in court. A guardian ad litem can also represent an adult who is incapacitated or has diminished mental capacity. What’s the Difference Between a Guardian ad Litem and an Attorney? A guardian ad litem does not perform the same tasks as an attorney. They…
How Hard is it to Terminate Guardianship?
Legal guardianship remains an important protection that allows one compassionate person to care for another. The practice is most commonly ordered by the courts to ensure adult oversight of minors. Although used to a lesser degree between adults, guardians help people navigate important everyday life decisions. When the court appoints a friend, relative, or professional…
What is a Ward of the Court?
People become wards of the court, or state, because they are unable to take care of themselves at some level and require certain legal protections. This legal designation is also commonly called being a “ward of the state” and may apply to minors as well as adults. It’s also important to understand that a ward…