Understanding Legal Guardianship: Key Roles and Process
Hello, this is Tulsa family law attorney Brian Carter with the Wirth Law Office. In this video, I’m going to discuss what a legal guardian is.
What Is a Legal Guardian?
A legal guardian is a person appointed by the court to act in the best interest of either a minor child or an incapacitated adult. This includes ensuring their needs are met and having the authority to make important decisions regarding finances, education, and healthcare.
The guardianship process is fairly straightforward. It begins with filing a petition that explains why a guardianship is necessary. From there, a notification process takes place, and the individuals who must be notified depend on the type of guardianship being sought.
The Guardianship Process
Eventually, a court date is set where a judge will decide whether a guardianship is needed. If the guardianship is contested, the process can become more involved. However, in most cases, it proceeds smoothly. At the court hearing, the judge makes the final determination on whether to appoint a guardian.
Once appointed, a guardian is legally required to act in the best interest of the ward. Guardians are also required to submit annual reports to the court. These reports are not typically extensive and are usually handled in a fairly informal manner.
Schedule Your Low-Cost Initial Strategy Session
If you have questions about guardianship and how it may apply to your situation, we can help. Contact Tulsa guardianship attorney Brian Carter with the Wirth Law Office to schedule a low-cost initial strategy session at 918-879-1681. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process with confidence.
