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Guardianship of a Minor in Utah

Criminal Law

Are you in need of an attorney for the guardianship of a child? Then, our legal team is qualified and experienced to handle your case. Who is a guardian? A guardian is a responsible adult, someone other than the child’s parent who has been appointed by the court to have legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the minor. Unless terminated beforehand, guardianship of a minor remains under court supervision until the minor reaches 18 years old. If you wish to be the guardian of a minor, our attorneys can help you petition the court.

A guardian can also be defined as someone who’s appointed to care for and take care of the affairs of an adult who is incompetent or incapable of administering their affairs. Guardians must not benefit at the expense of those they care for, and they usually need to make accountings to the court on an annual basis. Let Jason White & Associates handle your guardianship case with efficiency. You can call us for a consultation with one of our experienced guardianship attorneys in Provo, UT, today.

Why Do I Need a Minor Guardianship Lawyer?

Minor guardianships typically occur when the minor’s parents have passed away or when the parents can’t care for the child or children (i.e. drug abuse, mental illness, or physical ailments).

If a parent understands that they have an issue and can’t care for their child, it is possible pursue an uncontested guardianship. In a contested case where a parent does not agree to guardianship, an evidentiary hearing may be scheduled to determine the best interest of the child which will address factors such as stability in the child’s upbringing, the child’s safety, the ability of the guardian to provide proper care for the child, the relationship between the parents and the guardian, and any information regarding the moral character of the guardian.

A parent may motion to terminate another’s guardianship of their child at any time. This type of action may also be contested or uncontested. Whether your guardianship is contested or uncontested, it’s important to have a minor guardianship attorney on your side.

Do I Need an Attorney for Adult Guardianship?

Even in cases for adult guardianship, it is helpful to retain an attorney. Courts designate guardians or conservators to look over the interests of elderly or incapacitated individuals over the age of eighteen. Since the establishment of guardianship may strip an individual of some personal rights, certain steps must be taken prior to a guardian being appointed. Every incapacitated person has a right to be notified and represented by counsel before a guardianship proceeding. During the proceeding, that person has the right to attend, confront witnesses, and present evidence. If the court ends up appointing a guardian, the guardian is encouraged to respect the ward’s wishes and give the ward as much independence as possible.

If you are in need of a guardianship attorney in Utah, contact Jason White & Associates right away.