Guardianship of a Minor Child

Full Video Transcript

A guardian is someone who is given the legal right to care for a child if the child’s parents die or are unable to care for their children themselves. A guardian accepts all legal responsibilities for supporting and educating the child and is accountable for the child’s well-being and financial best interests. Guardians can be family members, friends, or foster parents. Since a guardianship is a legal relationship, only a court can officially appoint a guardian. However, parents are encouraged to name a guardian in their will because — although such instructions are not legally binding — they will be taken into account by the court. A guardianship may also be temporary, such as if a child’s parents are hospitalized, arrested, or some other situation arises. For more information about guardianship, talk to an attorney in your area today.