Stamford Guardianship Lawyer

Stamford Guardianship Attorney

Matters that concern the care and guardianship of minor children are among the most sensitive and challenging. If you are pursuing guardianship for a vulnerable child you care about, you need an experienced Stamford guardianship lawyer to handle your case.

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Why Hire a Guardianship Lawyer?

At Reich & Truax, PLLC, our attorneys approach each guardianship case we handle with compassion. We understand the stakes involved in such difficult situations and can provide clear, tailored advice for your specific circumstances. Our family lawyers have decades of experience handling guardianship cases in Connecticut.

The Legal Process

To begin the process of filing for guardianship of a minor child, you will submit a petition to the Probate Court where the child lives. This will involve completing required forms, including PC 700 for cases involving a minor child and PC 770 for cases involving an adult with developmental disabilities.

You will typically need to pay a $250 filing fee to file the case. The court will then notify all interested parties, including the individual subject to guardianship, relevant state agencies, and family members. In adult guardianship cases, the state requires the appointment of a lawyer or guardian ad litem to ensure the individual’s interests are represented.

The Court

Next, the court will schedule a hearing. The hearing will determine if guardianship is necessary. The individual who filed the case (the petitioner) will present evidence to the court that may include testimony from professionals, caregivers, and family members; medical records; and psychological reports.

If the court determines guardianship is necessary and the petitioner is a suitable candidate, it can appoint the petitioner as the guardian. The court will also provide the guardian with clear responsibilities. The guardian will need to comply with the court’s instructions and submit periodic reports.

Individuals under guardianship can exercise certain rights. For example, they can contest decisions made by their guardian, seek legal guidance, and ask for modifications to the guardianship. The state requires periodic reviews to determine if guardianship is still necessary. If an individual can demonstrate their ability to successfully manage their own affairs, the guardianship can be modified or terminated by the court.

Responsibilities of a Legal Guardian in Connecticut

Guardians can be appointed for a minor child under the age of 18 or for an adult with a developmental disability who cannot make informed decisions related to their care or meet essential requirements for their physical health.

A guardian is expected to act in the best interest of the individual and will be responsible for making decisions that impact their well-being, care, and safety. The Probate Court in Connecticut expects individuals appointed as guardians to:

• Ensure the individual is in a stable and safe living environment
• Ensure the individual’s physical and emotional well-being
• Make decisions that impact the medical care and education of the individual
• If appointed as a financial guardian, ensure that the individual’s finances are managed responsibly
• Comply with court orders and submit required documentation regularly to the Probate Court on the status of the individual under your guardianship

Who Can Be a Guardian in Connecticut?

The Probate Court determines if a petitioner is an appropriate candidate based on multiple factors. The individual must be responsible and reliable and make decisions based on the best interests of the ward.

The court will consider the ward’s financial stability, decision-making capacity, and the relationship between the ward and the petitioner. A guardian does not always need to be a family member; the court may consider non-relatives, state-appointed individuals, or professional guardians.

The court can disqualify individuals due to a history of financial mismanagement, substantiated charges of abuse or neglect, or criminal behavior. The court will conduct a background check to determine the suitability of a potential guardian. The court will also consider the ward’s input. A minor child over the age of 12 can provide input. Adults with cognitive ability may also express their preferences.

FAQs About Stamford, CT Guardianship Laws

Contact a Skilled Stamford Guardianship Attorney

If you believe taking responsibility for someone you care about through guardianship is necessary, we can help. The team at Reich & Truax, PLLC in Stamford, CT, can guide you through your options and explain the process in depth. We would appreciate the opportunity to help you. Please call the office to schedule a consultation.