Guardianship For Children

Legal guardianship for children is where the court grants an adult, who is not the parent of the minor child, custody of the child and the authority to care for the child.

Guardianship may also be bestowed upon an adult who is a relative to the child. An adult, over the age of 21 years, may petition the court for the guardianship of a minor should there be a valid, legal reason for guardianship.

A guardian has similar responsibilities towards their ward as an adoptive parent would have, except that a guardianship can be revoked through court order. In other words, they are responsible for all aspects of caring for the child although the relationship as well as the legal rights of the natural parents do not need to be severed in order for guardianship to be granted to a third party.

Legal Reasons For Guardianship For Children

The most common reasons for the court to grant guardianship in the state of Colorado include:

• The parents of the minor child are deceased.
• The parents of the minor child are imprisoned.
• The parents cannot provide for the basic needs of the child due to financial circumstances or for any other valid reason.
• There is evidence of abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a minor child.
• The parent/s of the child are incapacitated due to a severe mental or physical disability that prevents them from making or communicating their own decisions regarding their health, personal care or safety and are therefore unable to care for the child.

Guardianship Can Be Complex

Applying for guardian status is a complex and intricate process and it is highly recommended to seek qualified advice and legal representation from a family attorney in Colorado Springs who specializes in the area of family law as it specifically relates to guardianship.

Daugherty Law LLC can help you with the guardianship process regarding your unique situation.