Guardianship Lawyer in Atlanta
Guardianship gives you the legal authority to care for another person, either adult or child. Often it is necessary to obtain guardianship on a temporary basis during a family transition.
Working with a dedicated family law attorney can make the guardianship process much easier and more efficient. At Tessie D. Edwards & Associates, we help families with a variety of guardianship issues in the Atlanta area courts.
What is Involved in Guardianship?
A legal guardian has the power to make decisions on behalf of another person who is referred to as a ward. Parents are the natural guardians of their minor children, but when a parent is not available or qualified to serve in that role, then the court may appoint someone else to serve as legal guardian.
Guardians have a responsibility to provide for the ward’s basic needs, such as housing, food, education and healthcare.
How to Become a Guardian
A guardian can be appointed by the court, so to start the process, the person seeking the guardian role must file the appropriate petition in probate court. The court must determine that guardianship is necessary, and then determine whether the person seeking guardianship is the right individual for the job. An experienced guardianship attorney can help ensure that all legal requirements are satisfied and present evidence to show why the petition should be granted under the terms requested.
Temporary Guardianship
If an adult has physical custody of a child, they automatically have the right to file for temporary guardianship. Once temporary guardianship is granted, that guardian has the same responsibility for the ward’s welfare as a permanent guardian. However, the court may require that temporary guardians file an annual report updating the court on the ward’s health, education and other factors.
Help With Guardianship Issues in Atlanta
Courts have little patience for applicants who do not understand procedures or comply with requirements. For that reason, it is a good idea to work with an experienced guardianship lawyer in the process of petitioning for or modifying guardianship. The knowledgeable team at Tessie D. Edwards & Associates could evaluate your situation, determine the procedures necessary to achieve your objectives, and guide you through the process to reach your goals. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to learn more about how we could help with guardianship or other family law matters.