Guardianship
Guardianship and legal custody are powerful legal arrangements that provide the authority to care for and make important decisions on behalf of another individual. Whether you are a relative supporting a beloved child, a responsible adult caring for a child placed with you by their birth parents, or an adult appointed to care for an elderly parent or person with disabilities, the Colorado guardianship lawyers at Gallo Law Center are here to help. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have the legal authority necessary to make crucial decisions regarding education, medical needs, and overall well-being, while ensuring stability and security for those in your care.
At Gallo Law Center, we understand the importance of establishing a lawful guardianship or custody relationship, especially when it comes to adding dependents to a family health insurance policy or managing medical and daily care for an elderly parent. Our experienced attorneys assist families in navigating the complex legal landscape to secure the necessary documentation. For children, we also utilize guardianship and custodial orders to assist in pursuing custodial adoptions, which often require demonstrating that a biological parent has abandoned or failed to support the child. Our knowledgeable team is well-equipped to handle these sensitive cases.
Visit the Colorado Office of Public Guardianship website for more info.
Guardianship is considered a last resort option and requires a court hearing and confirmation of incapacity by medical providers. When guardianship is granted for an elderly parent, it means an individual, family member, or professional is appointed by the court to make medical decisions and manage daily care. Our firm is committed to providing compassionate, professional support throughout this process, ensuring the best possible outcomes for those who need it most. At Gallo Law Center, we prioritize the well-being and security of children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, offering dedicated attention and expert legal guidance every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Guardianship in Colorado
What are the different types of guardianship?
Guardianship comes in several forms, each designed to cater to different needs. Your guardianship attorney can explain these types, including:
- Full guardianship: The guardian has complete control over decisions.
- Limited guardianship: The guardian only has decision-making authority over certain aspects.
- Co-guardianship: Responsibility is shared among two or more guardians.
The suitable type largely depends on the ward’s situation and needs.
How does guardianship differ from power of attorney?
Although both tools enable someone to make decisions on behalf of another, they’re quite different. Guardianship often involves court proceedings, with the judge defining the guardian’s responsibilities. In contrast, power of attorney is a voluntary legal document where one person gives another the authority to make certain decisions for them. Your guardianship attorney can discuss these differences in greater depth.
What's the process of court-appointed guardianship?
Appointing a guardian involves several key steps:
- Filing a petition in the appropriate court.
- Arranging for evaluations to determine the need for guardianship.
- Holding a court hearing where a judge reviews the evidence.
- Issuing a court order to appoint a guardian, if approved.
What are a guardian's responsibilities?
Guardians are responsible for the ward’s wellbeing, and their responsibilities might include:
- Making medical decisions.
- Managing financial decisions.
- Ensuring that the person in their care is provided basic care.
Can guardians be removed or replaced?
Yes, a guardian can be replaced or removed, usually by showing the court that the guardian isn’t acting in the ward’s best interests, or that someone else is more suitable. In this case, at Gallo Law Center, we can guide you through this possibly complex situation.