Minor Guardianship Attorney in Grand Rapids

Are you trying to take legal steps to care for a child through minor guardianship in Grand Rapids? You might feel unsure about where to start or worried about how the court might handle your guardianship case. If so, you should know that you are not alone and you do not have to figure this out by yourself.

A Grand Rapids guardianship attorney from Kraayeveld Family Law can explain your rights, help you file the correct forms, and represent you in court as necessary.

Contact us today or call 24/7 at 616-383-2679 to set up an initial consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about how our guardianship attorneys can help you protect the child in your care. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI. Visit us for a case evaluation!

Why You Need a Guardianship Attorney in Grand Rapids

Guardianship cases can move quickly, especially when a child’s care is on the line. If you are participating in this type of case, you need support from someone who knows local court rules, what judges expect, and how to prepare the right forms and evidence.

Our guardianship attorneys in Grand Rapids are ready to guide you through every step of the legal process, explain your rights, and help you avoid mistakes that could delay your case. Without legal help, you could face avoidable problems in court or with the child’s care.

Reasons to Seek Guardianship of a Minor

If a child’s parent cannot take care of them, someone else might need to step in and take responsibility for the child.

Here are some common reasons why people seek guardianship of minors in Michigan:

• One or both of the child’s parents have passed away, and there is no other legal guardian.
• Either parent suffers from a serious illness or injury that affects their ability to provide care.
• Neither parent can be found nor is involved in the child’s life.
• Either parent is in jail or prison.
• A parent allows the child to live with someone else but does not provide legal authority.
• Either parent struggles with addiction or untreated mental health problems.
• The parents never married, and the custodial parent has died or gone missing.
• The parents agree to guardianship and wish to establish a legal plan.
• A court has terminated one or both parents’ rights.
• The child needs protection from abuse or neglect.

Does Guardianship Override Parental Rights in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

No, guardianship does not erase a parent’s rights. In Michigan, parents keep their legal rights unless the court suspends or terminates them. When the court appoints a guardian, that person gains the power to make daily decisions for the child, but parents can still ask the court to end the guardianship.

It is worth noting that guardianship is different from custody. Custody arrangements are typically established during divorce or separation and are overseen by the family court system. Guardianship cases also go through the family court but often start when parents cannot care for the child.

Types of Guardianship for Minors in Grand Rapids

Guardianship arrangements can take several forms in Grand Rapids, each with different rules, responsibilities, and timelines. The type of guardianship that the court orders depends on the situation and what the child needs.

Here is an overview of some of the most common types of guardianship in Michigan and how they work:

• Full guardianship – Full guardianship gives someone the legal right to make decisions for a child when the parents cannot or will not do so. It might be necessary if the parents have died, gone missing, or are in jail. Full guardians can make medical, educational, and day-to-day decisions on behalf of the child. This type of guardianship lasts until the child turns 18 unless a judge ends it earlier or the guardian steps down with the court’s approval.
• Limited guardianship – In a limited guardianship, the child’s parent or parents choose to give someone else legal responsibility for a short period. The parents must agree to the plan and also agree to temporarily relinquish their parental rights while the guardianship is active. Alternatively, the proposed guardian may petition the court for a limited guardianship and the court will order the limited guardianship. The guardianship will include a written plan that addresses parenting time, financial support, and the duration of the guardianship. A limited guardianship remains in place until the court terminates it, the plan is modified, or the child reaches the age of 18.
• Temporary guardianship – Sometimes, a child needs help immediately, and there is no time to wait for a full court process. In such cases, a temporary guardianship allows someone to take over quickly. This type of guardianship can last for up to six months. People often use it when a current guardian is not fulfilling their duties or when the court needs to intervene during an emergency.

What Happens During Guardianship Litigation in Grand Rapids?

If someone challenges a guardianship or objects to a petition, the case may go to court for a hearing. During guardianship litigation, the judge will look at facts, hear testimony, and decide what serves the child’s best interests.

Guardianship litigation can become stressful, especially if family disputes arise. If you become involved in guardianship litigation, our guardianship lawyers can represent you and help you make your case clearly.

How Our Guardianship Lawyers Can Help

Even small mistakes could delay your guardianship case or lead to problems down the road.

A guardianship lawyer from Kraayeveld Family Law knows the local court procedures in Grand Rapids and can help you stay on track by:

• Analyzing your situation and explaining your legal options
• Preparing and filing your guardianship petition with the probate court
• Gathering documents that support your request
• Explaining what type of guardianship fits your needs
• Attending court hearings with you and speaking on your behalf
• Asking the court for temporary guardianship in urgent cases
• Responding to objections from other parties
• Helping you understand your duties as a court-appointed guardian
• Working with Child Protective Services or other agencies, if necessary
• Asking the court to modify or end a guardianship if circumstances change

Speak With a Guardianship Attorney in Grand Rapids Today

If you need legal representation in a minor guardianship case in Grand Rapids, now is the time to speak with the attorneys at our law firm. Kraayeveld Family Law regularly handles guardianship cases and understands the expectations of local courts. We are here to listen to your concerns, address your questions, and assist you in moving forward.

Contact us today or call 24/7 at 616-383-2679 to get started with an initial consultation. Our guardianship attorneys in Grand Rapids are ready to talk with you.