Family & Safety

Plenary guardianship of a child is a court process where a judge gives an adult legal authority to care for a minor (child) and make decisions for them. This can include guardianship of the person, which covers the child’s daily care, such as housing, education, and medical decisions, and guardianship of the estate, which allows a person to manage the child’s money or property. Guardianship does not end a parent’s rights, but it allows another adult to step in when a parent is unwilling or unable to make and carry out day-to-day decisions for the child.

To get plenary guardianship, a person must file a case in court. This usually involves filing a petition, scheduling a hearing, and giving notice to the child’s parents and other required persons. A judge will decide whether to appoint a guardian based on the child’s best interests and whether a parent is able to care for the child. A parent can later ask the court to end the guardianship if they become able to care for the child again.

Learn more about getting plenary guardianship of a child.