SIERRA VISTA GUARDIANSHIP ATTORNEYS

A legal guardianship occurs when the legal and physical custody has been granted to an individual other than a child’s biological parent. A legal guardian is often, but is not limited to, another biological family member, but can also include individuals only related to the child by marriage or not related to the child at all, such as a family friend or godparent. Guardianship can take place in situations of physical illness, injury, or incapacitation of one or both parents, drug, alcohol, or physical abuse, military deployment, or more.

If you or someone you know may need legal assistance from a qualified Sierra Vista guardianship lawyer, our legal team at Sierra Vista Divorce Law, PLLC is ready and waiting to hear your needs and help you assess and determine your options through a no-cost (30 min) initial consultation.

Schedule a consultation with us today by calling (520) 335-8037 to get started.

HOW DO GUARDIANSHIP WORK?

Any biological mother or father of a biological parent of a child is considered a grandparent for legal purposes, even in circumstances where the child’s parent (the grandparent’s biological child) is not involved in the child’s life.  Parental involvement is not required in order for grandparent rights and involvement to still be applicable. 

WHAT ARE Guardianship RIGHTS?

While legal guardians are very often close family members of the child such as grandparents, older siblings, or aunts and uncles, that may not always be the case.  Legal guardians can be extended many of the same rights as parents, although additional court supervision may occur. 

Basic Rights & Responsibilities of Guardians: While a child or multiple children are under the care of a legal guardian, the guardian’s responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Adequate supervision of the child, both when the child is in physical proximity and when the child is separate, such as in a school setting or the child’s friends house
• Basic necessities including food, clothing and shelter
• A required health or medical treatment
• Continuity and fostering of the child’s schooling and education
• Financial support in the absence of any public financial assistance or child support received on behalf of the child
• Harm or damages caused by the child

HOW ARE GUARDIANSHIPS DIFFERENT THAN ADOPTIONS?

The primary distinction between a legal guardianship and an adoption is that an adoption ends the biological parent/child relationship and all related rights and responsibilities. Conversely, in circumstances of a guardianship, the parent/child relationship continues to be in place, however, the guardian assumes most of the rights and responsibilities for the child. Since guardianship may not be permanent, a parent can later resume care and responsibility for a child once capable, therefore terminating or ending the need and rights of a legal guardian.

When adoption is not necessary or not an option, guardianship can provide an alternative that is often faster, easier, and less expensive, and will also not permanently sever a parents’ legal rights. Speak to a Sierra Vista guardianship attorney at our office to learn more.

LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP CONSULTATiON SIERRA VISTA AZ

When children are involved in a marriage or divorce, the safety and care of those children must be the utmost concern of everyone involved.  Parents are not always in a position to be able to properly care for their children for various reasons, during which times a temporary child guardian may need to be involved or appointment.  Children are often the defenseless victims of divorce or unsafe home environments and it is the legal rights that exist under guardianship law that allows others to step in and care for a child during times of need.  If you or someone you know is involved in a situation where you think a legal guardian may need to step in on behalf of a child or family, please contact our experienced Sierra Vista guardianship legal team today at (520) 335-8037.

(If the child is in immediate danger, prior to contacting us, first and foremost, please contact your local authorities right away if you feel there is any threat to child’s safety.)