What is a guardianship?
The court gives legal responsibility over the care and protection of a child to someone other than the child’s parents. Parental rights are suspended (not terminated) while the Guardianship is in place. The guardian can then provide the child with health insurance, enroll the child in school, receive benefits on behalf of the child, etc.
A guardianship is a legal proceeding in the circuit court in which a guardian exercises the legal rights of a minor or incapacitated person. Guardianships are established for various reasons: An adult who lacks the ability to care for himself/herself; a minor who has received an inheritance or person injury settlement; or a minor who is living with relatives who need to make decisions about the minors schooling and health care.
• What does the guardian have to do? • What is limited guardianship? • What is the difference between a conservator and a guardian? • My adult son is mentally ill and refuses to seek medical treatment and live in a safe place. My doctor suggested that I become his guardian so that I can get him the help he needs. Is that a good idea? • I’d like to be my aunt’s guardian, but I can’t afford it. What are some other options? • What happens if someone needs a guardian but has little money and there’s no family member or friend who can do it? • How long does it take a court to grant guardianship? • How do I begin the process to be appointed a guardian? • My grandmother’s guardian isn’t taking very good care of her and no longer lets me visit. What can I do? Q: What is guardianship? A: A court appoints a competent adult, called a guardian, for a person over 18 who’s declared mentally or physically incapacitated – someone who’s unable to make decisions regarding his or her health, living arran
