Reasons For Establishing Guardianship Of Minors
Last updated on April 29, 2025
A guardianship is sometimes needed for a minor because there are certain steps they can’t take on their own. Perhaps they have an incapacitated parent or their parent has passed away. They could also have been neglected, abandoned or have special needs. They need someone in a parental role to make legal decisions on their behalf, take care of them, provide them with a place to live and much more.
Silin Law Firm PLLC boasts a guardianship lawyer with over 15 years of experience serving Jackson County and families in Mississippi. I am attorney Rita Nahlik Silin, and I am known for personalized representation. To learn more about guardianship, reach out to me in Ocean Springs today for effective guidance.
Rights And Responsibilities Of A Guardian
The guardian of a child has the right to make certain decisions on their behalf. For instance, they can make medical decisions, enroll the child in school, set up bank accounts and more.
In truth, financial management is one of the top responsibilities of the guardian. Minors are not able to do certain things on their own, such as inheriting financial assets directly from their parents. But if their parents passed away and put those assets in a trust, then the trustee and the guardian can work together to provide the child with the financial resources they need.
The Guardianship Process In Mississippi
The guardianship process starts with the filing of a Petition for Guardianship of a Minor Child in Mississippi. This can be filed at the county clerk’s office. The court may also ask for additional information, like your address and the reasons for the guardianship. You must also provide background information, such as whether you have a criminal record.
After submitting the petition, the court will conduct a hearing that you and the child will attend. The court will listen to the provided testimony or statements and decide whether to name you as the guardian of a minor. Once you have the court order, you have legal authorization to care for the child and take other steps on their behalf.
Call For A Consultation With A Guardianship Attorney
To learn more about how the court will appoint a guardian or to ask any other questions, please contact me in Ocean Springs at 228-215-3080 or through the online contact form to set up an initial consultation today.