How Guardianships Work FAQ

Questions:

• What does a guardian do?
• What is the difference between a guardianship and an adoption?
• When does a guardianship end?
• What is a guardian ad litem?
• If a child other than my own child lives with me, do I need a guardianship?
• Is it true that parents may need a guardianship of their own child?

Answer:

When does a guardianship end?

A guardianship ordinarily lasts until the earliest of these events:

• the child reaches legal age (usually 18)
• the child dies
• the child's assets are used up (if the guardianship was set up solely for the purpose of handling the child's finances), or
• a judge determines that a guardianship is no longer necessary.

Even if a guardianship remains in force, a guardian may step down with permission from the court. In that case, a judge will appoint a replacement guardian if necessary.