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.
Work With People Who Care
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A Personalized, Team-Oriented Approach
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200+ Years' Combined Experience
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We Are Active Members of Our Community
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We Treat Every Case Individually
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Small Firm Attention. Big Firm Results.
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Initial Consultations Are Always FREE!
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Advocates
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Tom is an excellent education attorney! He guided our family through a difficult sexual harassment case involving our child and the local public school. Tom's expertise and persistence led to a positive outcome that has truly made a difference in our child- Laura
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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.- Kathy
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I reached out to Tom Blessing for help with a disability discrimination case involving my son. I felt vulnerable and intimidated taking a stand against an entire school district, but having Tom by my side every step of the way was reassuring and empowering- Suzi S.
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They were exceedingly helpful, professional, efficient and upfront with costs. Excellent attorneys.- Jordan W.
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I worked with Danielle Merlo on a Family Law matter in 2024. It was a complex case which Danielle handed incredibly well. I felt supported and well advised as we navigated a several month case.- Danielle M.
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I’m truly grateful for all the support and professionalism Danielle has shown throughout my case. She was always attentive, understanding, and went above and beyond to protect my interests.- Nancy G.
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I had a fairly simple need but was very happy with the work and would use them again for any other legal work I need in the future.- Former Client
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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.- Kelley R.
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I feel truly blessed to have found Amy Carson. She did a wonderful job with my case and I feel very fortunate to have worked with her. She was attentive, answered all my questions and concerns no matter the time of day.- Emmy K.
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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.- Lynn C.