The appointment of a guardian (typically a relative of the child) will be granted by the court if:
The child needs protective services and has been placed by court order or continued in a placement outside of their home for a cumulative period of one year or longer AND
- The nominated guardian for the child is a relative who currently has custody of the child and is expected to continue providing care for an extended period or until the child turns 18. AND
- The relative would likely be willing and able to serve as the child’s guardian for an extended period or until the child reaches 18 years of age if appointed AND
- It is against the child’s best interests that a petition to terminate parental rights be filed with respect to the child AND
- The child’s parent is neglecting, refusing, or unable to carry out the duties of a guardian or, if the child has two parents, both parents are neglecting, refusing, or unable to carry out the duties of a guardian AND
- The agency is primarily responsible for providing services to the child under a court order it has made reasonable efforts to make it possible for the child to return to their home.
Contact Us for a Consultation With One of Our Guardianship Lawyers
If you believe that a child in your care meets these requirements, contact our office today. We will work with you and your family to obtain the quickest and least confrontational result possible. For a no-obligation consultation with one of our family law attorneys or guardianship lawyers at Doar, Drill & Skow, call 877-890-3521 toll-free or contact us online. Located in New Richmond, we serve clients throughout western Wisconsin, ensuring that every child’s best interests are protected. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take the necessary steps to secure a brighter future for the child in your care.
