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Parents have the right to care for their minor children and are responsible for doing so. When a child’s parents are no longer living or are unfit to or incapable of serving in a parental role, however, the matter of the children’s care becomes an important legal issue. And guardianship is often the answer. Parents can address guardianship in their wills or in real time, but the court ultimately must approve of the arrangements. Further, when parents are not involved in raising their children, anyone interested in the guardianship role must go through the court.
In other words, guardianship is legally challenging, but our experienced Johnstown, PA, guardianship lawyers at Silverman, Tokarsky & Forman, L.L.C., can help.
Guardianship cases in Johnstown are heard in the Orphans’ Court at the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg. Guardianship does not make the guardian the parent of the child in question. Instead, it establishes a legal arrangement that serves as a substitute for parental rights over the child. Ultimately, the guardian assumes the responsibility of caring for the minor child, and guardianship comes in two primary forms.
A guardian of a child’s estate has the responsibility of making financial decisions for the child and of managing the child’s property until they reach the age of 18. This involves managing the child’s assets responsibly, managing all financial records that affect the child’s estate, and providing all related records to the court.
Guardian of the person refers to someone who takes on what amounts to a parental role by accepting physical custody of the child. This means ensuring that the child’s primary needs are effectively addressed, and the related responsibilities include all the following:
Court decisions that directly affect children in Pennsylvania are always based on their best interests, and this extends to guardianship. To become the guardian of a child, the adult attempting to do so must file a petition with the Orphans’ Court that specifically details how the guardianship supports the child’s best interests. Having the skilled legal guidance of a trusted guardianship attorney backing you up is always advised.
Becoming the guardian of a minor child is an immense responsibility that can make a big difference in the child’s life. While the legal process is complex, it is a worthy pursuit, and our accomplished Johnstown guardianship lawyers at Silverman, Tokarsky & Forman, L.L.C., dedicate our impressive practice to helping clients prevail with favorable case outcomes. Your case is important, so please don’t put off reaching out for more information about everything we can do to help you by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 814-536-8600 today.
Do not let yourself be intimidated by the legal system. Our team will be your advocate and champion. To schedule an appointment to talk to one of our lawyers about your situation, call Silverman, Tokarsky & Forman, L.L.C.
