Family & Safety

Guardianship of a minor usually lasts until the child turns 18, unless the court ends it earlier. A parent whose parental rights have not been terminated may ask the court to end the guardianship if they can care for the child again. The judge will decide whether ending the guardianship is in the child’s best interests. 

A current guardian cannot simply stop being the guardian without court approval. If a guardian no longer wants to serve, they must ask the court to be discharged. The court may appoint a new guardian if the child still needs one. To end a guardianship, a person must file a case in court and give notice to the required people, and the judge will decide whether to end the guardianship.

Learn more about ending guardianship of a child.