4 Ways Guardianships for Minors Can Help With Legal Troubles

Juveniles in legal trouble may have nowhere to turn if their parents do not support them or are not fully in the picture. Parents may have too much on their plate with other children, jobs, and extra stress. One option for a juvenile is to seek help from another family member through the form of guardianship.

A guardianship is not a full adoption but comes with more legal rights than a foster parent. If you have a juvenile family member with legal issues, then learn how guardianship can make a big difference. With legal help to guide you through the process, you will move the process along quickly and help the child out in many aspects of their life.

1. Legal Documents

Once a court appoints you as a guardian, you have the legal right to sign documents and handle any legal matters for the child. If the juvenile faces charges for various crimes, you can work with the defense team as the court case proceeds. You can sign agreements and suggest various ways to help the child.

For example, you may agree to a house arrest and the courts would consider your home as the person's place of residence because you are the guardian. As the legal guardian, you will help represent the juvenile in court and bear the responsibility of any punishment that comes their way.

A child may receive community service hours for a crime. As a guardian, you can find community service locations, help get their work signed off on, and ensure all the paperwork goes through the legal channels. A court would limit your power and authority without the official title of a guardian.

2. Financial Needs

When you become a guardian, you can set in place some of the financial needs a juvenile may seek to get on their feet again. Once released from custody, a juvenile may need a fresh start. With the powers of guardianship, you may apply for financial assistance to pay for food, clothing, and shelter that all goes to support the child.

A little bit of financial support can really help turn a child's life around. The financial support goes hand-in-hand with the emotional support you supply as a guardian. Not only can a lawyer help you establish guardianship, but their services will help you with any financial paperwork you need to be filled out. You do not want mistakes or errors to delay the process.

3. Medical Needs

As a guardian, you will have a say in the medical decisions for a juvenile. For example, a court may agree to counseling and therapy rather than time in a detention center. As the guardian, you can sign off on those medical appointments and ensure the juvenile receives proper medical care.

Beyond counseling, you may sign off and distribute medications for emotional issues like depression. As the legal guardian, you have the right to add the child to your medical insurance and ensure they are covered for various sessions. You do not want a lack of medical insurance to prevent a child from the care they need.

Medical decisions are important and most extended family members cannot make these decisions without the proper legal access that guardianship grants. Beyond legal issues, you will want the legal status in case an illness or injury occurs. Otherwise, a hospital may not let you make decisions or help the child out.

4. School Choices

As a guardian of a juvenile criminal, one of the main goals is to steer the person in the right direction. With guardianship, you have the legal ability to choose a school for a child and register them with you listed as the legal guardian. A proper school is the first step to ensure a bright future for the child.

A new school can give the juvenile a fresh start and allow them to move on beyond their mistakes in the past. Along with school, a legal guardian can sign a child up for other activities like sports, clubs, or camps. These types of activities can help build friendships and healthy relationships. With the powers of guardianship, you do not need to let a crime define a person.

A lawyer can help move the process along quickly so there are not any delays. For example, you will want all of the legal documentation set in place before a new school year begins. This way, the child starts a new grade at the same time as all of the other children.

For more information on guardianship and the law, contact us at Hart Law Offices, PC. Our expert team of professionals will help answer any questions you have and get you through any situation that arises. Our lawyers will help you juggle the stress and paperwork that comes with criminal charges and guardianship at the same time.