Legal Aid: A Blog About Laws And Legal Processes
Family Law: Guardianship Q&A
Renee Bates
If you are a parent, you might be wondering what happens if something happens to you and you can't take care of your children. The good news is that there is a process called guardianship that will help to ensure that your kids are taken care of in the event that something happens to you. In this blog post, we will answer some common questions about guardianship. Keep reading for more information!
1. What is legal guardianship?
Guardianship is a form of a legal relationship between an individual who has been appointed by the court to make choices on behalf of another person, known as a ward. Guardians are typically selected to make decisions for minors or for adults who are determined to be unable to make decisions due to physical or mental incapacity. The powers and duties of guardianship vary depending on the laws of the state in which the guardianship is established, but they typically include the authority to make decisions about the ward's medical care, education, and residence. In some cases, guardians may also have the power to manage the ward's finances. The guardian is required to act in the ward's best interests and to exercise reasonable care and diligence in making decisions on their behalf.
2. What are the benefits of guardianship for parents and children alike?
The benefits of guardianship for both parents and children include:
Providing stability for the child
A guardianship arrangement provides a sense of stability for the child. It gives the child a sense there is someone responsible for their care.
Ensures the child's needs are met
The legal guardian is responsible for making sure the child's needs are met. This includes providing shelter, food, clothing, medical care, and education.
Allows the parent to focus on other aspects of their life
Guardianship arrangements allow parents to focus on other aspects of their life, such as work or school. This can be especially beneficial for single parents who may not have the time to devote to their children full-time.
The parent can still be involved in the child's life
Even though the parent is not the primary caregiver, they can still be involved in the child's life. The parent can visit with the child, participate in their activities, and help make decisions about their future.
If you would like to find out more about family law, contact a family lawyer today. They will be happy to help.
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Welcome! My name is Jessica, and I work as a legal aid secretary. I am in awe of the lawyers in my office and the variety of cases they cover. From injury compensation to family court matters, they need to understand the law in a broad range of areas. As a legal secretary, it is often my job to research particular points of law or find certain cases for reference. It is a fascinating job and I work hard to keep up with the constant changes to our laws and legal processes. Friends and family often ask me for direction on legal matters and whilst I explain that I am no expert, I usually manage to provide sound advice. This blog is for people who share my passion for the law or who want to understand more about our legal system. I hope you find it engaging and useful.