Guardianships

For various reasons, such as inability to parent, incapacity or death, it is sometimes necessary to obtain legal guardianship over a minor child. This may consist of:

• Guardianship of a child (care and custody)
• Guardianship of a child’s estate by acting as a fiduciary (property, assets, etc.)
• Guardianship of both the child and the child’s estate

The potential guardian is often a family member, adult sibling, friend, or an interested and qualified party. To be appointed as a guardian, one must file a petition and be awarded court approval. The guardianship appointment carries the legal responsibility to provide all necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, medical and dental care for the child.

How We Help:

• Determine if circumstances warrant a petition for guardianship
• Provide expert counsel and suggest best course of action
• Navigate the legal process and prepare documents
• Ensure that the appointed guardian understands the liabilities and legal responsibilities of the guardianship role

At Norton Basu, we educate and inform our clients so that they fully understand each step of the process and the anticipated outcome. Obtaining guardianship of a minor child is an important and serious undertaking which deserves thoughtful, considered, and careful planning.