The Best Interest of the Child
When it is in the best interest of a child to be in the custody and care of someone other than a parent, parents can agree or a party can request that the court enter orders of guardianship allowing a person other than a child’s biological parents to assume the care, custody, control and decision-making authority over the child. A full guardianship requires that the guardian assume all responsibility for the child and allows the guardian to take certain actions not allowed in the absence of the guardianship such as providing health insurance for the child.
Assuming All Responsibility
Guardianships may be voluntary, in which case they may be revoked or terminated at any time by the biological parent agreeing to the guardianship, or involuntary, which may be terminated only after evidentiary hearing and a finding regarding the best interest of the child.
