Formal, informal, long-term, or temporary guardianships of minors may be necessary for a number of reasons. The pursuit of legal guardianship usually involves situations in which someone other than a legal parent has participated significantly in raising the child — as is common with blended families, families headed by same-sex couples, and grandparents.
Regardless, guardianship offers the much-needed structure and authority to provide for and protect the child. While there are similarities to having legal custody, legal guardianship is backed by the authority and accountability of the court.
Establishing legal guardianship can be a complex, contentious, and consequential process. As such, it’s critical that you engage a family law firm that has demonstrated skill with guardianship cases. At Gevurtz Menashe, your guardianship attorney will provide appropriate legal advice, guide you through the process, and ensure your rights are protected.
The process can vary from state to state, but the general steps for obtaining guardianship are relatively consistent.
Neither Oregon nor Washington require biological parentage, blood relationship, legal adoption, or cohabitation for those seeking legal guardianship. Both states allow children to continue to enjoy contact with people who’ve played a meaningful child-rearing role — like stepparents or other relatives — sometimes even if the child’s legal parent does not agree.
You can count on our track record of success in cases such as yours. Our decades of experience litigating family law and amassing knowledge are invaluable assets.
Our meticulous methodology and attention to detail are your advantages. They ensure that the process is made more manageable and outcomes are better.
Your journey with us is a poignant one. Our empathetic team will be there for you from the beginning, understanding your burdens and providing assistance as needed.
According to the legal definition of guardian, a guardian is a person who is legally responsible for taking care of another person's physical and/or financial welfare. This includes the right to make decisions on behalf of the other person, such as medical decisions, educational decisions, and more.
To get legal guardianship, you file a petition with the court. The court reviews the petition and may request more information, to ensure that taking custody of the minor is in the child's interest. The court then makes a decision based on all of the evidence presented. If approved, you'll become the guardian.
The first step is to file a petition to terminate the guardianship in court. Next, the court reviews the petition and makes a decision. If the court approves the petition, it issues an order terminating the guardianship.
