Top 11 How To Get Custody Of My Niece 12858 Votes This Answer

You are looking for information, articles, knowledge about the topic nail salons open on sunday near me how to get custody of my niece on Google, you do not find the information you need! Here are the best content compiled and compiled by the Chewathai27.com team, along with other related topics such as: how to get custody of my niece can an aunt get custody of her nephew, can my niece live with me and go to school, how to get guardianship of a child without going to court, do aunts have rights to see their nieces and nephews, how to get custody of my niece in arizona, how to take custody of a child that is not yours, petition for guardianship of a minor, my niece wants to live with me

The first step is to file a petition for guardianship with the appropriate court in the county where the child currently resides. It will be crucial to contact the local state child custody lawyer to understand what your rights and legal options are.Access to children for non-parents

Access can be granted to anyone, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings. Anybody who has had a close relationship with the child can apply for contact.To apply for temporary or permanent guardianship of a minor, you or any other interested person, must file a petition with the probate court. The petition must be filed in the county where the minor lives or where the proposed permanent guardian lives.

Contents

Do aunties have rights UK?

Access to children for non-parents

Access can be granted to anyone, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings. Anybody who has had a close relationship with the child can apply for contact.

How do I get custody of my niece in Georgia?

To apply for temporary or permanent guardianship of a minor, you or any other interested person, must file a petition with the probate court. The petition must be filed in the county where the minor lives or where the proposed permanent guardian lives.

How do I get custody of my niece in Tennessee?

If you, being an aunt or uncle are contemplating acquiring legal guardianship over your nephew or niece through court. The initial step is filing a petition for guardianship with the proper court in the county where the child presently lives.

How can I get custody of my nephew in Ohio?

Obtain permission from the child’s legal parents to get guardianship of your nephew. In most cases you will need consent from both parents, or one parent if only she is available. Some cases, where there is abuse or abandonment, may not require consent of the child’s legal parents.

How much does it cost to go to court for child custody UK?

It costs £232 to apply for a court order. You may be able to get help paying court fees if you’re on benefits or a low income.

Can an aunt apply for parental responsibility?

Step-parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles can also get parental responsibility for a child, but usually only if they are involved in caring for the child. They would have to apply to the court for an order for parental responsibility, an order for the child to live with them, or an order for Special Guardianship.

What do judges look for in child custody cases?

The child’s age, gender, characteristics and background will all be a factor in the decision process. The judge or magistrate will want to ensure that the child is safe from any possible harm and the parent has the ability to meet the child’s needs.

What can be used against you in a custody battle?

What Can Be Used Against You in a Custody Battle
  • Confrontations with Your Ex-Spouse and Children. …
  • Being Critical of Your Ex-Spouse. …
  • Missing Child Support Payments and Neglecting Parental Duties. …
  • Bringing New Partners into Your Children’s Lives. …
  • Preventing Contact Between Your Children and Ex-Spouse.

Can my niece live with me?

Your niece can choose to live with you once she reaches majority or is emancipated by a court order. Until then, her living circumstances remain under the control of her custodial parent(s). While there are likely any number of living…

How is custody determined?

One factor in determining custody is which parent has been the primary caregiver for the child. Some states actually use the term “primary caregiver”; others refer to the parent who is best able to meet the child’s needs, who is most willing to accept parental responsibilities, or who has been caring for the child.

Can a child live with their aunt?

However, usually there are not legal rights for custody for aunts and uncles. Parents are deemed to be the legal guardians of the child for making decisions in their best interests. There may be a few exceptions if there is neglect, abuse, or danger to the child while living with the parents.

How long does a temporary custody order last?

Can I Revoke It? Temporary custody generally lasts until there is another order by the family court addressing custody matters. The judge awards temporary custody to one parent pending the outcome of a divorce case, a paternity case, or custody battle.

Can my nephew live with me?

In most states, legally a young person between 16-18 is in a gray area; your nephew could possibly decide to live with you — unless his parents fight it through the courts. A family court judge will have to weigh the options on your niece’s behalf.

How long does it take to get emergency custody in Ohio?

File the paperwork with your clerk of court, and you’ll typically have an emergency hearing within 24 hours. Here, the judicial officer considers your evidence and testimony to decide whether to issue an emergency order.

What does it mean to be a legal guardian of a child?

Legal guardians have custody of the children and the authority to make decisions concerning the child(ren)’s protection, education, care, discipline, etc. Legal guardianship is assigned by a court, such as the family court, according to state laws.

Can you live with your aunt?

Sure. You can have your aunt pick you up and take you. If dad calls cops, you’ll tell the cops to leave you alone and that you are not leaving your aunt. You can even ask your mom to petition for custody and come testify on your behalf that you…

What’s the difference between aunt and Auntie?

There is no real difference between aunty and auntie. As explained above, they are both affectionate terms for aunt. However, auntie is much more commonly used than aunty. The term auntie can also be found in many dictionaries, unlike aunty.

Whats the difference between Auntie and aunty?

Words aunty and auntie are just informal versions of the word aunt. While aunty is more informal than aunt, auntie is the most casual one of the three. However, the main difference is how people in different regions use them.

What is reasonable access to a child?

Things to consider when discussing reasonable access include the child’s schooling arrangements, your own personal commitments and working arrangements, the child’s age, plus any activities the child takes part in.


Law And You- Can I get custody of my niece
Law And You- Can I get custody of my niece


How to Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew | Aunts Rights Child Custody | LegalMatch

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about How to Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew | Aunts Rights Child Custody | LegalMatch Updating …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew | Aunts Rights Child Custody | LegalMatch Updating To obtain custody of your niece or nephew, you need to apply for either guardianship or non-parent custody. Both are only granted in limited circumstances.
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How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew

Need a Child Custody Lawyer in your Area

How to Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew | Aunts Rights Child Custody | LegalMatch
How to Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew | Aunts Rights Child Custody | LegalMatch

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Access to children and the law – InBrief.co.uk

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Access to children and the law – InBrief.co.uk Updating What is the law regarding a parent’s right to access to their children? What are the rights of non married couples or people in common law marriages? The Children Act 1989.
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Access to children and the law - InBrief.co.uk
Access to children and the law – InBrief.co.uk

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GeorgiaLegalAid.org | Free, easy to understand legal information and resources

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GeorgiaLegalAid.org | Free, easy to understand legal information and resources
GeorgiaLegalAid.org | Free, easy to understand legal information and resources

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How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew? – Ogborne Law

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How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew

What is “Child’s Best Interests Standard” and How is it Applicable to 3rd Party Custody

Do Aunts and Uncles Have Visitation Rights with Their Nieces or Nephews

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney for Assistance with Niece or Nephew Adoption

Arizona Family Law

How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew? - Ogborne Law
How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew? – Ogborne Law

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How to Get Guardianship of a Nephew | Legal Beagle

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about How to Get Guardianship of a Nephew | Legal Beagle Updating …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Get Guardianship of a Nephew | Legal Beagle Updating In most cases, obtaining guardianship for your nephew if he is a minor child will require permission from his legal parents and permission from a court. Each state has its own rules and procedures for retaining guardianship so it is advisable to speak with an attorney before filing papers requesting guardianship of …
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How to Get Guardianship of a Nephew | Legal Beagle
How to Get Guardianship of a Nephew | Legal Beagle

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How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew? – Ogborne Law

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew? – Ogborne Law The initial step is filing a petition for guardianship with the proper court in the county where the child presently lives. It is going to be … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew? – Ogborne Law The initial step is filing a petition for guardianship with the proper court in the county where the child presently lives. It is going to be …
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How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew

What is “Child’s Best Interests Standard” and How is it Applicable to 3rd Party Custody

Do Aunts and Uncles Have Visitation Rights with Their Nieces or Nephews

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney for Assistance with Niece or Nephew Adoption

Arizona Family Law

How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew? - Ogborne Law
How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew? – Ogborne Law

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3 things you must know if you are considering getting custody of your grandkids (nieces, nephews, step-kids, etc.) — The Pavlov Law Firm

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about 3 things you must know if you are considering getting custody of your grandkids (nieces, nephews, step-kids, etc.) — The Pavlov Law Firm So here are three things you must know if you are consering getting custody of your grandks, nieces, nephews, step-children, etc. …
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3 things you must know if you are considering getting custody of your grandkids (nieces, nephews, step-kids, etc.) — The Pavlov Law Firm
3 things you must know if you are considering getting custody of your grandkids (nieces, nephews, step-kids, etc.) — The Pavlov Law Firm

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Error 403 (Forbidden)

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Aunts’ and Uncles’ Rights | Child Custody and Visitation

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about Aunts’ and Uncles’ Rights | Child Custody and Visitation It can be quite difficult for nonparents to get custody. The court presumes that awarding custody to the child’s parents is in the child’s best interest. …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Aunts’ and Uncles’ Rights | Child Custody and Visitation It can be quite difficult for nonparents to get custody. The court presumes that awarding custody to the child’s parents is in the child’s best interest. In some places, aunts and uncles have a right to visits with their nieces and nephews. Learn more, plus your options for legal guardianship or custody.
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Aunts and uncles Child custody rights

Aunts and uncles Legal guardianship

Aunts and uncles Visitation rights

Preparing for court as an aunt or uncle

Aunts' and Uncles' Rights | Child Custody and Visitation
Aunts’ and Uncles’ Rights | Child Custody and Visitation

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Can I Get Custody of My Niece Because Her Father is Abusive? | John P. Schuman C.S., Child and Family Law | John P. Schuman

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about Can I Get Custody of My Niece Because Her Father is Abusive? | John P. Schuman C.S., Child and Family Law | John P. Schuman Ontario Law does allow you to seek custody of your nephew – especially in the circumstances where a child is being abused. …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Can I Get Custody of My Niece Because Her Father is Abusive? | John P. Schuman C.S., Child and Family Law | John P. Schuman Ontario Law does allow you to seek custody of your nephew – especially in the circumstances where a child is being abused. child custody, child access, child abuse, family court, custody order, chiildren’s aid society, child and family services, substance abuse, alcoholism, emergency custody, domestic violence, best interests of the child, child protectionOntario Family Law allows people, other than parents, to apply for custody of a child in Family Court. To succeed, the order must be best for the child.
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Can I Get Custody of My Niece Because Her Father is Abusive

Can I Get Custody of My Niece Because Her Father is Abusive? | John P. Schuman C.S., Child and Family Law | John P. Schuman
Can I Get Custody of My Niece Because Her Father is Abusive? | John P. Schuman C.S., Child and Family Law | John P. Schuman

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I want contact and custody to my neice. The parents are alienating me.

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about I want contact and custody to my neice. The parents are alienating me. I am concerned about my niece’s wellbeing. Is it possible for me to obtain rights of custody and guardianship over her? The parents are alive and divorced. …
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The scenario The minor child is being primarily cared for by the paternal aunt

Do aunts and uncles have parental rights and responsibilities over their nieces and nephews

Does the law assist interested parties in obtaining parental responsibilities and rights

23     Assignment of contact and care to interested person by order of court

24 Assignment of guardianship by order of court

How does the law assist the aunt in the scenario above

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I want contact and custody to my neice. The parents are alienating me.
I want contact and custody to my neice. The parents are alienating me.

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How can I get custody of my niece? – Printcasting.com

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How can I get custody of my niece

Can a parent be a temporary guardian of a child

What happens when CPS is involved in a custody battle

Can a CPS take a child away from a grandparents

What can I do to get guardianship over my niece

How can I get custody of my nephew

What causes a parent to give a child temporary custody

How can a parent get temporary guardianship of their child

How can I get custody of my child

Can a notary sign a child custody agreement

How to get custody of a child from an unfit mother

Can a court take a child away from a mother

How can my mom get full custody

How can my sister get custody of Me

What does it mean to be a guardianship of a minor

When does a non-parent become a guardian

Is there a way to win a child custody battle

How to prepare for a child custody hearing

Who is the friend of the court in Michigan

Can a family friend file for custody of a child

When do you need a temporary guardianship of a child

Is it possible to get temporary custody of a child

How do I get guardianship or custody of my niece

How much does it cost to file for emergency custody

Can a parent be denied custody of a child

When does a father get custody of a child

Can a non custodial parent take custody of a child

What happens when two parents share custody of a child

Where do I go to get guardianship of my child

When to apply for a temporary guardianship agreement

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How to Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew?

How Do I Get Custody of My Niece or Nephew?

In general, child custody is having the legal and physical responsibility of taking care of the child’s needs. This includes providing housing, medical care, education and other necessary aspects of life that serve the child’s best interest. Depending on which state you reside, there are different procedures in petitioning to the court to obtain custody of a niece or nephew. However, usually there are not legal rights for custody for aunts and uncles. Parents are deemed to be the legal guardians of the child for making decisions in their best interests.

There may be a few exceptions if there is neglect, abuse, or danger to the child while living with the parents. In such instances, the court may open a case for guardianship and look to the child’s best interest in deciding the custody case.

A showing to the judge that living with the aunt or uncle is in the best interest of the child is important. There must be a determination that the child’s safety and health is in danger. Therefore, an intervention to protect the child’s emotional development and or physical health is necessary. For example, if the mother or father have been recently convicted of a crime and it may be dangerous for the child to continue to reside with them.

Furthermore, if there is any sexual or physical abuse by either parent to the child. These can cause long-lasting mental and emotional trauma for the child. Therefore the family court would need to determine the various factors and keep the child’s safety a priority.

What is the Child’s Best Interests Standard, and How Does it Apply to Third Party Custody?

Depending on the state you reside in, the guidelines for the child’s best interest standard may vary. Furthermore, it is important to make a distinction between the standard when it applies to the third party custody issues. In short, the child’s best interest standard is the framework for the majority of the family law cases dealing with decision making about a child in the courtroom. There are several factors a court determines within this standard to determine the well-being of the child.

Specifically, it considers the child’s desires and wishes when old enough to make this judgement. It also closely examines the relationship between the parent and the child. Furthermore, it looks to how the child will adjust to certain situations, cultures, community, and school. Lastly, it considers the mental and physical wellbeing of the parties involved. The family courts generally attempt to balance these factors along with the child’s wishes to make custody decisions. Each state has its own set of guidelines in determining the child’s best interest standard. It is crucial to identify the ones outlined in your local state to ensure you are meeting the requirements for a child custody case.

As mentioned above, there is a difference between applying this standard for the parents versus third parties for visitation. Usually, for non-parents trying to obtain custodial rights, each state will allow for more clarity on the factors used to make this determination. For custody, a third-party must show one of the five circumstances:

A parent is unfit;

Voluntary relinquishment ;

Abandonment;

Special facts and circumstances.

For visitation, the third-party must prove by clear and convincing evidence that there would be actual harm to the child if visitation is denied, which will often require expert witness testimony. A third-party custody case is challenging to win, but if you want to seek custody and visitation time as a relative of a child, you should have the opportunity to do so.

What is the Parental Preference Rule?

The Parental Preference rule is a legal principle that favors the parent to obtain custody of the child rather than another person. Under this rule, fit parents who are able and willing to care for their children have the predominant right to the custody and maintenance of their child. In most states, there is a presumption that favors placement of the child with one or both of the parents, unless the parents are deemed to be unfit.

However this preference can be challenged by proof that the child’s best interests are to the contrary. This rule provides protection for the biological parents rights who are willing and able to care for their children by giving them priority of custody over anyone else.

As an Aunt or Uncle May I Have Custody Rights?

The law allows third parties such as the extended family of aunts and uncles to have some rights but only with limitations. States differ on the procedure but they may be able to open up a case against the parent depending on each state’s requirements. They are also allowed to intervene when a case is already pending against the parent related to the child.

The guardian appointed by the court, has the legal right to decide what school the child will attend, where she/he will live and make medical decisions related to the minor. There are two ways an aunt or uncle can obtain legal guardianship over their nieces and nephews but this differs among the states:

File proper paperwork and signed by the parent granting guardianship and;

The family court can grant guardianship over the child in a judge’s ruling because there is an open custody case or guardianship petition filed with the court clerk.

Sometimes, uncles and aunts need custody of nephews and nieces when the child’s wellbeing is in immediate danger. Parents in life-threatening situations can grant temporary guardianship over the children through the proper legal documents. This can give the aunt or uncle custody of the child during the parent’s absence or in case of their death. Some examples include:

Soldiers being deployed;

Firefighters actively fighting an ongoing forest fire;

A person convicted of a crime and about to begin a prison sentence and;

A person with illness and undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

However, you must prove in court that you are fit to care for the children. If another close relative is also fighting for custody or guardianship, this will be a difficult battle.

Do Aunts and Uncles Have Visitation Rights with Their Niece or Nephews? .

It generally depends on which state you live in, as there are different visitation rights laws for each state. For instance, some states will allow an aunt to apply for visitation rights, but only in the event that the parents are separated. If the two parents are not divorced or separated, and you attempt to seek visitation rights, the court will usually side with the parents. Very few states allow extended family members to request visitation rights.

In order to be included in the visitation case, you will need to petition the court for visitation. You will also be required to provide the judge with information that highlights the integral role that you have played in your niece’s or nephew’s life. If the evidence you provide is deemed by the judge and courts to be sound, it’s possible that you will be given a certain amount of visitation rights, such as on weekends or a couple of times each month. The best way to identify if you have the option of requesting visitation rights is to consult with an attorney who has expertise in child custody, they can assist you with determining what your next steps are.

Should I Hire an Attorney for Help with Niece or Nephew Adoption?

If you as an aunt or uncle are thinking about obtaining legal guardianship over your nephew or niece through the courts. The first step is to file a petition for guardianship with the appropriate court in the county where the child currently resides. It will be crucial to contact the local state child custody lawyer to understand what your rights and legal options are. Child custody cases are complex and require a thorough evaluation of the person requesting custody of the child if they are not the biological parent.

Access to children and the law

What is the law concerning access to children?

Cases regarding access to children are argued on the basis of what will be best for the child rather than what the parents consider fair or in their interests.

Usually, a court will allow contact between a child and parent, but the extent of this contact is contingent upon many different factors. The law encourages parents to keep in contact with their children and contact is usually only restricted when it is in the child’s interests.

The Children Act 1989

The Children Act 1989 states that any decisions made about a child will be made with ‘paramount consideration’ given to the child’s welfare. Factors to be taken into account include:

The child’s feelings. The more able to form an opinion a child is, the more attention a court will pay to these wishes. Although a child’s age will be a major factor, there is no set age for when a child’s own feelings become more important, so this is open to contention.

Any likely effects of changing a child’s circumstances. The court will try to ensure a child’s life is disrupted as little as possible.

The child’s sex, background, religion, age, any special needs (either physical or cultural) and many other characteristics can be deemed relevant and contestable factors by a court when it comes to deciding residence.

When deciding residence, the court will want to be convinced by a party that they can provide for the child’s physical, educational and emotional needs. This will cover material effects (such as childcare equipment), accommodation, food and love and affection.

The court will consider how likely a child is to be abused by a carer when making any decisions. Abuse can be sexual, physical or emotional.

Parenting skills come into consideration: does a parent have all the skills necessary to look after a child? Are these abilities liable to impairment for any reason (such as addictions, character traits or lifestyle)?

Domestic violence/abuse

All access cases should screen the parents for domestic violence. If either party alleges that domestic violence has taken place, the court may order the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service to investigate and produce a welfare report.

Any welfare report should take into account:

the child’s personal wishes;

the safety of each party and the safety of the child during contact;

the harm suffered by the child;

any harm that the child might be susceptible to if contact is awarded; and

domestic violence experienced by the child or either parent.

Access to children after a common law marriage

A child’s right to contact with its parents does not depend on whether or not the parents were properly married. Children of a common law marriage should also have contact with both parents. If the separated partners do not make informal arrangements for access to children, then a court can be asked to decide provisions. Usually the court will allow contact between child and parent, but exceptional circumstances may prevent this from happening.

Access to children for non-parents

Access can be granted to anyone, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings. Anybody who has had a close relationship with the child can apply for contact.

Access to children for same-sex couples

If a civil partnership/marriage of a same-sex couple breaks down, the child will be treated as a ‘child of the family’ enabling the court to make orders for the child’s care which recognises the non-birth mother’s position.

Residence

Residence is what used to be called custody. It relates to where a child will live on a permanent basis and who will be their carer.

If the parents can agree between themselves who gets residence, the court doesn’t have to get involved. However, any agreement made outside of court is not final, so it is possible for either party to go to court later if things are not working out.

In court, it is possible to get a residence order, which stipulates who a child lives with. Here an important distinction is made – it decides who a child lives with, not a specific address. Even when a father does not have parental responsibility, they still have the right to apply for a residence order.

Residence orders last until the child is 16, or, in special cases, until the child is 18. They can be overturned if the court makes another order at a later date or if the parents live together after the order is made for a period of over six months.

There are two kinds of residence order. They are:

a full residence order; and a shared residence order (also known as a joint residence order).

A full residence order says which parent a child will live with. A shared residence order is made in favour of both parents. It specifies how long a child spends with each parent. It will not always say that both parents get access for same amount of time. A shared residence order indicates that both parents have made equal contributions to their children’s lives and have shared responsibility of the children’s upbringing.

If a father wins a residence order, he will automatically be granted parental responsibility, even if he did not have it before. This will grant him the legal right to make decisions about the child’s life, such as their religion, medical treatment and education.

Contact

After residence has been decided, the non-resident parent may still be eligible for contact with a child. Contact can be:

direct – ie, face to face;

indirect – through telephone calls, letters, emails etc;

supervised – contact when another person is always present to supervise; and

staying – where a child stays overnight with the non-resident parent.

‘Reasonable contact’ is determined on a case-by-case basis. What constitutes reasonable contact is not set in stone.

During contact, a person can usually take the child wherever they want, but this is debatable. A court may look unfavourably upon a child being taken to a bookmakers, for instance.

For occasions like school meetings, both parents should be treated equally, unless another court order has been made to prevent this (if this would put the child or a parent at risk of harm, for instance).

Parents can agree contact outside of court or they can apply for a Contact Order.

Contact orders

Contact orders, like residence orders, are argued on the basis of the Children Act 1989. Contact orders are legally binding and will set out the grounds on which parents can see their children. If these provisions are frequently not followed (one parent continually denying another their allotted contact time, for instance), an appeal can be made to the court to have new awards made.

Refusal of contact

Contact should only be refused if there is a good reason to do so; the party who refuses to allow contact may be held in contempt of court, leaving the door open for further legal action against them.

Mediation

Another alternative to court action is mediation. Mediation involves both parents seeing a third party who will help them come to an agreement. As it is outside of court, it is entirely voluntary and far less formal – and therefore less stressful – than court proceedings.

Legal aid

Some people – including children, victims of abuse and those undertaking family mediation – are eligible for legal aid to help them pay for any access proceedings.

Free, easy to understand legal information and resources

Contents

What are my rights if I become the guardian of a minor?

The power of a guardian over the minor is the same as that of a parent over a child. The guardian stands in place of the parent. A guardian has the right to:

enroll the child in school,

obtain medical treatment for the child,

obtain housing for a child (though a guardianship is NOT required to include a child in your home or on your lease) and

otherwise make decisions for the child.

Are there special rules for temporary guardians?

Any person who already has physical custody of the child has the right to file for temporary guardianship with the probate court. However, a guardian cannot be a:

minor,

ward or other protected person; or

have a conflict of interest with the minor, although the conflict may be overcome by a judge’s determination of the child’s best interests.

A person CANNOT get temporary guardianship of a child that is not already in their custody.

If you get temporary guardianship, you have the right to be notified if the parent tries to terminate the guardianship. You have the right to object to the termination. If you wish to resign as guardian, you have the right to petition the court to ask to resign. You can only quit if the court grants your petition.

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What are the responsibilities of guardians of minors?

In order to get guardianship of a minor, you are responsible for filing a petition with the court. You cannot get guardianship of a minor if you do not have a court order. A letter from a parent is not enough.

Guardians have responsibilities to the minors in their care, including:

Respect the rights and dignity of the minor;

Arrange for the support, care, education, health, and welfare of the minor;

Take reasonable care of the minor’s personal effects;

Expend money of the minor that has been received by the guardian for the minor’s current needs for support, care, education, health, and welfare;

Conserve for the minor’s future needs any excess money of the minor received by the guardian;

If necessary, petition to have a conservator appointed.

What are the additional responsibilities of a temporary guardian?

The responsibilities of a temporary guardian are the same as any other guardian. In addition, the Court will require annual reports from temporary guardians. The reports will cover the education, health and condition of the child.

A temporary guardian is responsible for the child until the guardianship ends. A guardianship remains in effect until one of the following events occurs:

the child reaches age 18,

the child is adopted,

the child is emancipated,

the child dies,

the temporary guardian dies,

letters of guardianship are issued to a permanent or testamentary guardian, or

a court order terminating the temporary guardianship is entered.

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What are the rights of the parents in guardianship?

Parents have the right to give up their parental rights temporarily.

The parents or guardians who agree to guardianship temporarily give up or relinquish their parental rights. To do this, they sign a notarized document that is part of the guardianship petition. If one or both parents do not give up their rights voluntarily, they have the right to get official notice of the petition. If an address is unknown, you may be able to notify the parent by publication in a legal newspaper.

Parents have the right to object to guardianship.

If a parent objects to the guardianship, the court may:

Automatically dismiss the guardianship,

Hold a hearing to determine whether a guardianship should be ordered or continued,

Hold a hearing to determine who should be the guardian.

Parents have the right to select the temporary guardian.

The parent does have the right to make the choice. However, for good cause, the judge of the probate court may choose someone else. This does not happen often.

Parents have the right to dissolve the guardianship.

A parent can apply to have the guardianship dissolved. After, the temporary guardian is given notice of the application to terminate. If no objection is filed within ten days of notice, the judge will dissolve the temporary guardianship.

If an objection is filed, the probate judge will transfer the case to the juvenile court. The court will give both sides notice and hold a hearing. The juvenile court will make the decision whether the guardianship is in the best interest of the child.

Parents do not have rights in permanent guardianship.

A permanent guardian cannot be appointed by a probate court if a child has a living parent, unless the parent’s rights have been terminated. When parental rights are terminated, the parents no longer have any legal rights or responsibilities to that child.

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What are the responsibilities of parents during guardianship?

Parents still have to support their children financially, even after guardianship is granted.

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