An In-Depth Look at the Responsibilities of a Guardian
When somebody wants to become a guardian of a minor, they must also understand the responsibilities that come with it. It requires a higher decision-making by the guardian, someone to step in place of the parent and make legal decisions that will benefit their best interests. If you are looking into becoming a guardian, there are some things you must first ask yourself.
Questions to Ask
Am I prepared to have the same responsibilities as a parent? You must be prepared to take on the same role as the parent of the child. Not only would you manage their everyday lives and finances, you would also be responsible for any damage that they cause others.
How will the guardianship affect my family? Because you will be considered like the child’s parent, this could affect your relationship with other people in the child’s family. You must think about what time you have, how much energy you have, and the effect that this may have on others before you make your final decision.
Do I have the financial means to care for the child? The child may receive support in forms such as social security, public assistance, or child support from parents. However, you should never depend on these means of money and so you will have to plan on spending your own money on the child.
Will we run into any issues with the child’s relatives? If you attempt to interfere in a child’s life by becoming guardian, the child’s parents may become angry. They may attempt to fight you or be given regular visitation, so you must be prepared for this event.
Hidden Responsibilities
You may already know about many of the responsibilities that you will now have as the child’s guardian. For instance, you will decide where the child lives, where they go to school, what medical needs they are permitted to receive, and what you must report to the court every year in the form of an update. However, there are some things you may not have known. For instance, guardians are responsible for harm or damages the child causes. You must also ensure that the child is actually living with you and not their parents or another relative because, once you assume guardian, the judge requires this. There are also some things that you must remember for the child’s future, such as determining whether or not they are ready for a driver’s license or if they should enlist in the military if they are underage.
Yes, as a guardian, you have many responsibilities. It is important to consider each and every one before you begin the process.