Why would a child need a guardian?
Sometimes, no matter how much parents love their child, they aren’t able to take care of their child. Maybe one or both parents: • have a serious physical illness, • are in the military and have to go overseas, • have to go to a rehab program for a while, • are going to jail for a while, • have a drug or alcohol abuse problem, • have a history of abuse, or • can’t take care of their child for some other reason. The court will look at what is in the best interest of the child to make sure the child is raised in a safe, stable and loving environment. A legal guardian can care for a child when the parents aren’t able to. Relatives, friends of the family, or other people can ask to be legal guardians. Can I name a guardian for my children? Yes. You can write a letter naming a guardian for your children and keep it with your important papers or write in your Will who you want to be the guardian of your children when you pass away. But if both parents are dead, the court will decide who the
