Guardianship Lawyer Serving Roseville, California
In California, guardianship applies to children whose parents are unable to care for them for a variety of reasons. Essentially, a guardian is appointed by the court to be responsible for an individual younger than 18. It is important to work with a knowledgeable Roseville guardianship attorney.
As a skilled lawyer, Jennifer M. Sullivan has extensive experience providing legal advice and representation to clients in the full range of family law matters. It is not uncommon for a child to need the care and attention of a nonparent to make decisions that help the child grow and mature. Situations that might give rise to the necessity of legal guardianship can include:
- A parent is terminally ill
- A parent is in jail
- A history of substance abuse
- A parent has become mentally or physically incapacitated
- Abandonment
- The death of both parents
Whether you have questions related to guardianship of the person or guardianship of the estate, it is important to seek the counsel of a skilled attorney as soon as possible.
Who Can Ask To Become A Guardian In California?
Many responsible adults can ask the court to serve as a child’s guardian. Under California Probate Code Section 1510, a relative or another person acting on the child’s behalf may file a petition. A child who is 12 or older may also file one. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings and close family friends often step forward when parents cannot provide safe care. Unlike a custody case between parents, guardianship gives a nonparent legal authority over the child. A parent facing a serious illness or military deployment may also nominate a trusted adult to serve. If a child needs care right away, the court can appoint a temporary guardian while it reviews the full petition.
For a child living in Roseville, the petition goes to the Placer County Superior Court. Filing a petition does not guarantee an appointment. Before a judge decides, a court investigator reviews the proposed guardian’s home and background. The child’s parents also receive notice and may object. The judge then weighs what serves the child’s best interest. If you are worried about a child’s care, Jennifer Sullivan can explain whether guardianship fits your situation or whether another option makes more sense.
What Responsibilities Does A Guardian Have?
A guardian of the person takes on most of the daily duties a parent would handle. You would provide a stable home, enroll the child in school and consent to medical care. You would also make key decisions about the child’s safety, activities and overall well-being.
Some limits apply, though. Under California law, a guardian generally needs court permission before moving the child’s home out of the state. The court also expects an annual status report on how the child is doing. If the child owns property or receives an inheritance, the court may appoint a guardian of the estate to manage those assets. That guardian must keep careful records and account to the court for the money.
The guardianship usually lasts until the child turns 18 unless the court ends it sooner, such as when a parent can safely resume care. Jennifer Sullivan can walk you through these duties before you commit so you know exactly what the role involves.
Get The Help You Need
Whether you are seeking to become a guardian or would like to explore your options to care for a minor child, contacting the Law and Mediation Office of Jennifer M. Sullivan should be your first step. Jennifer Sullivan can answer your questions as they relate to guardianships. Do not hesitate to contact the firm at your earliest convenience.
Contact The Firm
To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced and compassionate lawyer, contact or call the Law and Mediation Office of Jennifer M. Sullivan. Jennifer Sullivan is available to meet with clients Monday through Thursday. Visa and MasterCard are accepted as payment.