Guardianship

Westlake Village Guardianship Lawyer

Looking to obtain custody of a child who is not your own?

The California Courts define guardianship as a court order that designates someone other than the child's parent to have custody of the child, manage the child's property or "estate," or both. Guardianship is common in cases where the child's birth or blood parents are incapable of caring for the child financially, physically, and / or emotionally. Examples include cases of domestic abuse, drug abuse, mental disorders, imprisonment, rehabilitation, or military deployment of the child's parent(s). Anyone may be granted guardianship, although it is most commonly granted to a close relative or family friend who has a strong relationship with the child.

Guardianship is not to be confused with adoption - although the guardian has the right to make legal decisions for the child and has custody, the child's parent(s) still have rights to reasonable contact with their child. The court can also cancel guardianship at any time and return the child to the custody of their parent or parents. Until that time, the guardian has the responsibility of caring for the child's physical, educational, financial, and emotional needs.

How to Obtain Guardianship in California

Guardianship is granted through a court order, which means that you will need to file a Petition for Appointment of Guarding of the Person with California's family law court and proceed through a number of legal steps and hearings in order to awarded guardianship. This can be a difficult and lengthy process if the child's parent or parents are in denial or are unwilling to relinquish custody. Even if they are compliant with your petition, you still need the assistance and representation of a Westlake Village divorce attorney to help you obtain custody of a child that is not your own.

Consult a Thousand Oaks Family Law Attorney

Looking for the help of an experienced divorce lawyer in Westlake Village, CA? Attorney Richard Ross has over 30 years of legal experience and is a Certified Family Law Specialist. Our firm is more than qualified to guide you through the guardianship process and to represent you in court. We can build a strong argument on your behalf based on excellent investigation of the details of your case Contact Us today!

Contact Us

Schedule a Consultation

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Dedicated TO CLIENT CARE & SUCCESS

I heartily recommend him to anybody in need of a well qualified, results-oriented, family law specialist.
“I would not hesitate to, again, retain the legal services of Richard Ross.”
Our family and our dignity have been restored.
“Mr. Ross and his supportive, competent staff put their hearts into their work and literally turned our lives around.”
The results far exceeded my expectations.
“The entire staff at Richard Ross Associates really helped me through my divorce and they were with me the whole way.”
Extremely thorough and professional!
“Richard has helped me through a very difficult divorce and I can't say enough good things about him.”
Polite, caring, and quick to respond.
“Richard Ross is a subject matter expert in the field of family law.”