Guardianships

Probate guardianships are court proceedings in which a judge gives custody of a child, and/or the power to manage a child's property, to someone who is not the parent of the child.  A guardianship can be of the Person or the Estate.

Guardianship of the Person is filed to appoint someone other than a parent to care for a minor and to make day-to-day decisions concerning the child's well-being. The person appointed by the court is called the guardian, and assumes legal responsibility for the child.

Guardianship of the Estate is filed to appoint someone to make financial decisions regarding a child's income, money or other property and to preserve the estate until the child turns 18.  Parents and non-parents can become guardians of a child's estate.

For more information on guardianships, call our office to set up a free 20 minute consultation (619) 222-5500).