What does guardianship mean in Colorado?
A “guardian” is someone the court appoints to ensure a minor child or incapacitated adult receives basic needs, such as food, housing, medical needs, and clothes. Under Colorado law, a guardian oversees the ward’s day-to-day necessities. In our state, a guardian does not manage a ward’s money – in most cases.
What’s the difference between guardianship and joint custody?
Guardianship means the rights and duties of parents in respect of the upbringing of their children. Custody refers to the day-to-day care, residency and upbringing of children who are regarded as dependent children.
How do I get legal guardianship of my child in Colorado?
You must be at least 21 years old to be the guardian for a minor. You can ask the court to name you as the guardian, or you can ask the court to name someone else who is at least 21 years old. You can be the guardian for a minor who lives in Colorado even if you live in another state.
Is guardianship better than custody?
Legal guardianship means a court grants someone other than a biological parent the right to care for a minor. Custody (most often) generally describes a parent caring for his or her own child. Guardianship does not always grant custody or definitively mean a biological parent’s custody is revoked.
Who can be a guardian for a child?
Legal Guardians can be appointed by parents, Special Guardians or by the Court. They can only be appointed by someone who has parental responsibility for the children. A Legal Guardian cannot be appointed by a parent who is alive, as it is not possible to transfer parental responsibility to another person.
What do guardianship means?
Guardianship means obtaining the legal authority to make decisions for another person. A “guardian” is the person appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of someone else. The person over whom the guardianship is granted (the child or the adult) is referred to as the “protected person.”
Is guardianship the same as foster care?
Guardianship makes sure a child or young person has a stable, nurturing and safe home without cutting legal ties to their family. Under a guardianship order, a child or young person is not in foster care or out-of-home care but in the independent care of their guardian.
