As the guardian of a minor, you are an officer of the court and will have particular duties and responsibilities. An experienced family law lawyer at Wallin & Klarich can provide you with the proper advice and can help you understand what your rights and responsibilities are.
After the probate court appoints you as the guardian of a minor child, you will automatically assume very important duties and obligations. The fundamental responsibilities you will have as a guardian is the care, custody and control of the child. You will be responsible for the providing the child with food, clothing, shelter and education. You will also have to provide for all the medical and dental needs of the child. Moreover, you are required to provide for the safety, protection and physical and emotional growth of the child.
Other responsibilities and duties you will assume as the guardian of a child include:
- Having full legal and physical custody of the child;
- Determining where the child will attend school;
- Determining where the child will live (However, you do not have the right to change the child’s residence to a location outside the state of California unless you have permission from the court.);
- Authority to consent to the child’s ability to obtain a driver’s license; and
- Being liable for the harm and damages caused by the willful misconduct of the child.
Lastly, the court may assign you other responsibilities and duties as the guardian of the child. For example, the court may require that you complete counseling or attend parenting classes. Because these additional duties and responsibilities will be court orders, you are required to follow them.
If you are thinking about becoming a guardian of a minor child, it is important that hire an experienced and knowledgeable family law lawyer who understands the process and can help you obtain guardianship. Wallin & Klarich has experienced Orange County guardianship attorneys who can help you today. If you have questions or concerns about your case,, call us at 888-749-7428.
