
Fishers Guardianship Attorneys
Sound Guidance Parents Can Rely On
A minor child’s legal guardian is responsible for assuming parental duties for the child. Legal guardians have the authority and responsibility to make legal decisions for a minor child. Guardianship is an issue commonly addressed in the will of a dying parent, with the goal of posthumously ensuring their child’s security and welfare. In such cases, our Fishers guardianship lawyers at Massillamany Jeter & Carson can help.
If you have questions about establishing a guardianship plan for your child, please contact us online or call (317) 434-1490 for a complimentary case evaluation today.
Types of Guardianship
The court can appoint a guardian over a minor child, or over a physically or mentally incompetent person. The guardian is generally responsible for the person, the person’s property and has decision-making power for them.
There are two types of guardianships: contested and uncontested (voluntary). Voluntary guardianship means the natural parent realizes it is in the best interest of their child to have someone else appointed as their child’s legal guardian. Either the parent is unfit or is not able to adequately support the proper growth and development of the child.
Contested guardianship is a more complex process. In a contested guardianship, the natural parent opposes/refutes the third party’s motion to obtain legal guardianship status over their child. In these situations, the court will determine what is in the best interest of the child and will evaluate the parent’s ability to provide care and support for the child.
Guardianships can be temporary or permanent. Temporary guardianship orders generally only remain in place for sixty (60) days. In order to be granted permanent guardianship, there must be a court hearing over the matter.
How to Choose a Guardian
When choosing who to name as a guardian for your child, parents may want to consider the following factors:
- Presence in your child’s life. Does the prospective guardian genuinely care about your child’s welfare?
- Physical disabilities. Does the prospective guardian have the physical capacity to care for your child?
- Schedule. Does the prospective guardian have time to care for your child?
- Independent wealth. Does the prospective guardian have the financial resources to do the job?
- Morals. Does the prospective guardian share your beliefs and moral values?
- Location. Where does your prospective guardian live? Will your child have to leave behind an established life and/or routine to relocate?
Consult with Proficient Fishers Family Law Counsel
Our experienced Fishers family law attorneys at Massillamany Jeter & Carson are able to help clients through this difficult time period and understand that it may be necessary to act quickly to ensure the safety of a child.
Contact us online or call (317) 434-1490 to schedule your free initial consultation now.

Why Choose Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP?
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"Chris Jeter and his team stand by my side to help guide me in the right direction."
My name is Kelley R., owner of Wishes Dance Studio. As a small business owner in Fishers, Indiana I have found having a great attorney to be more valuable to me than great accountant. Chris Jeter and his team stand by my side to help guide me in the right direction. His knowledge of small business protected me in areas I didn't even know existed. As a result, it gave me peace of mind, takes away the worry and lets me concentrate on growing the business.- Kelley R. -
"Amazing and thorough..."
Thomas Blessing and his legal aid, Jacqueline, we're so amazing in the manner in which my grandson was advocated for in our local school system. The situation was difficult, to say the least, and Tom fought ethically and capably to protect our dignity and rights for my grandson's educational needs. We won more than the right for him to attend school as an average student, but also make-up time. I would recommend Tom and his team to help with anything educational legal issues you might have.- Kathy -
"Mario is the best"
Mario helped with my husbands case he is super professional and always there to help! He is the best!! Thank you Mario!- Nina -
"We highly recommend this firm"
Our family has retained M&J LLP on several occasions. We were under great stress, did not know what to do next, and believed our situation was hopeless when we met with Mario M., Chris J., and staff. These people are not only brilliant, educated lawyers, but proved to personally care about what happened to our family. We feel deeply indebted to Mario M. particularly for the caring service we have been receiving. We cannot say enough good things to describe the responsible legal assistance we have received over the past year. We highly recommend this firm and will definitely use their services in the future if necessary- Lynn C.