[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/common-mistakes-guardians-make\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/common-mistakes-guardians-make\/","headline":"Common Mistakes Guardians Make","name":"Common Mistakes Guardians Make","description":"Our guardianship litigation attorneys believe that grandparents, uncles, aunts, and others who step up to care for young children are true heroes. Unfortunately, we have seen many instances where well-meaning guardians or potential guardians have hurt their legal case by making avoidable errors. Such mistakes can prevent well-meaning, would-be guardians from being legally empowered to […]","datePublished":"2025-07-02","dateModified":"2025-09-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/james-kraayeveld\/#Person","name":"James Kraayeveld","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/james-kraayeveld\/","identifier":29,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f327c36375f93cacc1f5818cbd6ca5f9c1c362ddf86682a8d1f0adac2b1f6198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f327c36375f93cacc1f5818cbd6ca5f9c1c362ddf86682a8d1f0adac2b1f6198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/common-mistakes-guardians-make-in-custody-cases.png","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/common-mistakes-guardians-make-in-custody-cases.png","height":900,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/common-mistakes-guardians-make\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZBeAEIik3To#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZBeAEIik3To","name":"Guardians: How to Avoid Getting Hurt!","description":"Guardians: How to Avoid Getting Hurt! This video discusses common mistakes Guardians make in child custody and guardianship cases.  Guardians are often heroes, but even heroes can make mistakes that can hurt their efforts.\n\nIn this video, we'll cover and explore: \n- A recent Michigan Court of Appeals case involving guardians and their rights.\n- The difference between published and unpublished appellate court opinions.\n- Three frequent errors guardians make in these cases.\n- Real-life examples of how these mistakes impact families.\n\nAs experienced Grand Rapids family law attorneys, we provide insights into protecting your rights as a guardian. We hope this video empowers guardians with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls and navigate the complexities of the legal system. Learn how to better protect the children in your care and your role as a guardian.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ZBeAEIik3To\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ZBeAEIik3To\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ZBeAEIik3To\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ZBeAEIik3To\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ZBeAEIik3To\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-05-12T13:00:58+00:00","duration":"PT4M47S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZBeAEIik3To","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","description":"\nGrand Rapids family law attorneys helping clients with divorce and child custody disputes in West Michigan.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/0ucpS3xzwE2Lhnwtcd7eoF0oLwq7VmOIYlMbRuDAMZJdnz1G6W69BDWIvkGPEEHYXHzsdvPDLg=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZBeAEIik3To#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZBeAEIik3To#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZBeAEIik3To&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZBeAEIik3To#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":65}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZBeAEIik3To#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":1}]},"about":["Guardianship"],"wordCount":509,"articleBody":"Our guardianship litigation attorneys believe that grandparents, uncles, aunts, and others who step up to care for young children are true heroes. Unfortunately, we have seen many instances where well-meaning guardians or potential guardians have hurt their legal case by making avoidable errors.Such mistakes can prevent well-meaning, would-be guardians from being legally empowered to care for children with absent or unfit parents.\u00a0Here are some common mistakes to avoid in guardianship litigation in Michigan.Mistake #1: Failing to Understand the Role of a Legal Guardian in MichiganOne frequent mistake people make in guardianship litigation is not fully understanding what it means to be a legal guardian under Michigan law. A guardian is responsible for the child\u2019s care, including providing food, shelter, education, and medical attention. But this role does not grant the guardian full parental rights. Some guardians mistakenly believe they can make long-term decisions without court oversight or the consent of the living parents. Others may neglect key duties, thinking the title is primarily symbolic.Mistake #2: Waiting Too Long to Petition for GuardianshipPutting off filing a guardianship petition can cause problems, particularly if a child\u2019s biological parent or parents decide to step back in. Even if you have been handling the child\u2019s day-to-day needs for months or years, your efforts carry little legal weight without court approval, and Michigan courts generally give strong preference to a child\u2019s legal parents.Mistake #3: Ignoring Court OrdersMost guardianship arrangements are subject to specific orders such as the placement plan. One common mistake guardians make is failing to follow existing parenting time orders. Even if the guardian believes a visit is not in the child\u2019s best interest, blocking a biological parent\u2019s court-ordered time typically carries legal consequences, including the possibility of removal as guardian. On the other hand, some guardians neglect to request a parenting time schedule when filing their petition, leaving everyone uncertain about biological parents\u2019 rights and expectations.Another misstep guardians often make is assuming a parent must pay support without a court order. In Michigan, a guardian must ask the court to establish a child support order. Without this order, the guardian cannot force a biological parent to contribute financially.Mistake #4: Representing Yourself Without a Guardianship Litigation AttorneyMichigan\u2019s guardianship laws involve strict procedures, detailed paperwork, and rigid courtroom standards. One missed deadline or incorrectly filled-out form could weaken your case. Our skilled guardianship attorneys can help you present strong evidence, follow court rules, and clearly explain why your involvement is in the child\u2019s best interests.Get Legal Help Before It Is Too Late\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKraayeveld Family Law has decades of experience with guardianship cases, and we understand your desire to care for a child in need. We are on your side and want to help you give a child in your life the love and support they deserve.Let our team handle your legal case so you can establish or maintain a formal guardianship relationship. Call us at\u00a0(616) 383-2679 now or complete our contact form for a confidential consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Common Mistakes Guardians Make","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/common-mistakes-guardians-make\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]