Grandparental guardianship is a legal relationship where a grandparent cares for a minor child. The grandparent has certain rights and responsibilities, including managing assets and providing appropriate care. Guardianship requires a court petition, and parents can request the guardianship to be lifted. Guardians can make day-to-day decisions for the child, but their privileges can be suspended if they are not providing adequate care or if abuse or neglect is documented.
Grandparental guardianship is a legal relationship between a grandparent and a minor child who cares for that grandparent. The grandparent has certain rights and responsibilities under the law, including providing appropriate care for the child and possibly also managing any assets in the child’s name. This option can be pursued when grandparents need to care for their grandchildren temporarily or permanently for a variety of reasons, ranging from the death of a parent to child abuse.
Guardianship and custody are closely related, although the term ‘custody’ tends to be used to refer to people who fulfill a parental role. With both, you need to go to court. In the case of grandparent guardianship, the grandparent files a guardianship petition with the court asking for permission to legally assume care of the child and to receive certain rights that go hand in hand with caring for a child, including being able to claim child as an employee. Parents often support this petition, explaining why they are unable to take care of their children.
Parental authority does not cease in this case. One or both parents can file a petition asking for the grandparents’ guardianship to be lifted and their rights reinstated. The court will review the case to determine whether the parents are fit and able to care for the children and the grandparents’ contribution can play an important role. If they support the petition, claiming the parents are able to resume care, this is weighed heavily by the court.
A person with guardianship rights over a child can make day-to-day decisions, supervise medical care, and make other choices on behalf of a child. When parents are unavailable for any reason, having an appointed guardian can be very helpful for children who need assistance and guidance. An example of grandparent guardianship can be seen when parents go on a long journey and leave their children in the care of their grandparents; legally, many activities require a parent or guardian, and giving temporary guardianship to grandparents will meet this need.
Guardians may have their privileges suspended if they fear they are not providing an adequate level of care. A guardian grandparent can lose children if abuse or neglect is documented. In most regions, courts also refuse to grant grandparental guardianship to individuals with a history of child abuse or serious crime, on the grounds that such individuals would not be suitable guardians.
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