Providing Care Through Guardianship

In many instances, minor children or children facing developmental difficulties must rely on others for care and attention. It is not uncommon for loved ones besides the parents to provide this care. If you have questions about becoming a legal guardian or the guardianship process, schedule a free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer at our firm.

At The Offices of Keane Law, LLC, we have more than 40 years of legal experience guiding clients through the complexities of family law matters. From Boulder, we are prepared to represent clients in communities throughout Colorado who are facing matters such as child custody, paternity and other serious matters.

Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents Or Other Loving Family Members

Short of adoption, becoming a legal guardian is a way for loving family members to ensure that a child receives the care and attention he or she needs. Unlike adoption, which requires the termination of parental rights, a parent can retain legal rights even if a guardian is appointed. Guardianship might be appointed for numerous reasons, including:

• The parents are a danger to the child due to criminal activity.
• The parents are a danger to the child due to excessive drug or alcohol use.
• The parents are proven to be negligent or recklessly endanger their children.
• The parents are proven to be abusive.
• The parents have died.

Legal guardianship can be advantageous for several reasons. Not only does it provide the child with a stable familial environment to grow and mature, but hospitals and schools will often require parents to make decisions for the child. As a guardian, you have the legal right to make decisions that truly impact a child’s life.

Guardianship For Disabled Adults

While many people immediately equate guardianship with the care of minor children, a significant number of adults require the attention that a legal guardian can provide. For disabled adults or adults facing incapacitation – either mental or physical – a guardian can make decisions centering on medical care and the individual’s living environment. In Colorado, while a guardian makes medical decisions, a conservator makes financial decisions. It is not uncommon for family members to serve as both guardian and conservator to their elderly or disabled adult loved ones.

Contact Our Boulder Attorneys Today

Pursuing guardianship can be a daunting step for both your life and the life of the child. It is wise to have an experienced family law attorney by your side. Our firm can be reached by phone or email to discuss your case and your specific concerns. Call us at 720-771-9278 or complete our online contact form.