{"id":351861,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/guardianship\/how-to-establish-guardianship-of-a-child-faqs.html"},"modified":"2024-03-27T12:15:00","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T17:15:00","slug":"how-to-establish-guardianship-of-a-child-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/guardianship\/how-to-establish-guardianship-of-a-child-faqs.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Establish Guardianship of a Child: FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Establish Guardianship of a Child: FAQ<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Establishing guardianship of a child is a complex legal process, governed by state law. Parents can appoint a legal guardian in a will or similar document. Alternatively, a court can appoint a guardian if it is in the best interest of the child. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

There are many reasons to establish guardianship of a child. A child’s parents can name a guardian in a will to ensure their minor child has a guardian if they die prematurely<\/a>. Or, a court may appoint a guardian for a child removed from their home for abuse and neglect.<\/span>
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Guardianship is necessary in these circumstances because a child cannot make their own legally binding decisions. A child has no legal right to obtain healthcare, make medical decisions, or open bank accounts alone.<\/p>\n

This article explores frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help you better understand the process of establishing guardianship of a child.<\/p>\n