Two parents and child

Family & Safety

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Child guardianship
Usually, only a parent of a child has the authority to make decisions about the care of a child. Sometimes, a parent cannot or will not make care decisions for their child. Legal guardianship lets someone that is not a parent make care decisions for a child, just as a parent would. Learn more here.
Guardianship of a child common questions
Get answers to common questions about child guardianship in Illinois, including types of guardianship, parental rights, and when it may be needed.
FAQ
Plenary guardianship of a child
(4 resources)
Plenary guardianship of a child basics
Learn more about what plenary guardianship of a child is in Illinois and how to get one.
Intro
Plenary guardianship of a child common questions
Get answers to common questions about plenary guardianship of a child, including who can be a guardian, court requirements, and guardian duties.
FAQ
Starting a case for plenary guardianship of a child
This how-to explains how to start a plenary guardianship case for a child, give required notice, prepare for court, and get a court order.
How-To
Guardianship of a child
This Easy Form helps you ask the court to become a legal guardian of a minor child. You can also ask the court to appoint a co-guardian along with you.
Easy Form
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Short-term guardianship of a child
(4 resources)
Short-term guardianship of a child basics
Learn how short-term guardianship works, including who can be a guardian, what decisions they can make, and how long it can last.
Intro
Short-term guardianship of a child common questions
Get answers about short-term guardianship, including how it works, how long it lasts, who can be a guardian, and whether going to court is required.
FAQ
Creating a short-term guardianship of a child agreement
This How-To will explain how to create a short-term guardianship agreement, including completing, signing, and witnessing the form.
How-To
Short-term guardianship
This Easy Form helps you appoint a short-term guardian to be responsible for a child. A short-term guardianship can last up to one year.
Easy Form
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Standby guardianship of a child
(3 resources)
Standby guardianship of a child basics
Learn more about getting standby guardianship of a child and what situations they are typically used in.
Intro
Standby guardianship of a child common questions
Get answers about standby guardianship of a child, including choosing a future guardian and when it takes effect.
FAQ
Designating a standby guardian for a child
This how-to explains how to designate a standby guardian for a child and what steps the standby guardian must later take to obtain plenary guardianship.
How-To
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Ending guardianship of a child
(4 resources)
Ending guardianship of a child basics
Learn when a child's guardianship can end, who can ask the judge to end it, and what happens when a guardian no longer wants to serve.
Intro
Ending guardianship of a child common questions
Get answers about ending a child's guardianship, including who can ask to end it, the court process, and what happens after it ends.
FAQ
Starting a case to end guardianship of a child
This how-to will explain how to ask the judge end a child's guardianship, notify the required people, and prepare for a hearing.
How-To
Minor guardianship discharge
This Easy Form helps you ask the court to end someone's guardianship of a child.
Easy Form
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