Temporary guardianship may be granted to a person having physical custody of a child who is in need of a guardian. Temporary guardianships often come about because a custodial parent is unable to care for the child on a temporary basis and leaves the child with a third party – often a relative or close friend. The third party guardian then assumes the parenting obligations for the child.
A legal guardianship is a benefit to all concerned, as it provides a legal relationship between the child and the guardian. Parenting responsibilities, such as obtaining medical care for the child, enrolling the child in school, are granted to the guardian via Temporary Letters of Guardianship issued by a probate court.
Temporary guardianship is a temporary solution to a biological parent’s inability to care for a child. It provides security and stability for the child, and, at the same time, the biological parent’s rights remain intact. With a temporary guardianship, the biological parent has a voice in the child’s placement since these actions are always temporary in nature. Without such an option, the child might be placed in foster care or remain in an environment that is not suitable for the child.
If you would like more information on how to become a legal guardian of a child, please contact Debra Finch.
Also, if you are a temporary guardian of a child and want to discuss other options, such as Permanent Custody or Adoption, contact Debra Finch.
