Guardianship

Guardianships for Minors (under 18): Minors may need a guardian for a variety of reasons. If they have a parent/parents who are unfit, unwilling, or unable to take care of them, a legal guardian may step in to care for the child until a parent is ready to step back in. If the child's parents have died or are otherwise unavailable, a guardian can step into the role of raising the child. A legal guardianship gives the guardian legal authority similar to a parent: they can maintain custody of the child, make medical decisions, deal with the school, and more.

Guardianships for Adults (over 18): If an adult is unable to take care of themselves or their finances, a guardian can be necessary. This can be because of a developmental disability, an accident that affected physical/mental abilities, or a health issue such as a stroke or dementia. If an adult cannot manage their own affairs or health, a guardian can be appointed to make medical decisions, handle finances, or both.