Guardianships

Missouri Guardianship Attorney in St. Louis

Guardianships can be necessary in St. Louis and the surrounding areas in various types of family circumstances, such as when the parents of a minor child die, or when the parents of a minor child are unable to provide necessary care for their minor child. In some family situations, it becomes necessary to seek a guardianship or conservatorship for an incapacitated older adult. If you have any questions about guardianships involving minor children or guardianships involving incapacitated adults, it is important to speak with an attorney who can help you. Our St. Louis guardianship lawyers can talk with you today to learn more about your circumstances, and to provide you with more information about how a guardianship may be relevant to your situation. Sometimes the issue of a guardianship can be contentious, but it is possible to handle this process peacefully. Our firm focuses on resolving family law issues as calmly and amicably as possible, and we can begin working with you today on your case.

What is a Guardian in Missouri?

The term “guardianship” refers to the powers and duties one person may have legally over another person. In a case involving a guardianship, the “guardian” is the term for the person who has powers and duties concerning another person, and the person who is under the guardianship is known as the “ward.” In guardianship cases under Missouri law, a ward can be a minor or an incapacitated adult.

In cases involving guardianship of a minor, Missouri law specifies that “the guardian of the person of a minor shall be entitled to the custody and control of the ward and shall provide for the ward’s education, support, and maintenance.” In other words, the guardian is legally responsible for the minor, and must ensure that the minor receives the education and care they need. 

The terms “guardianship” and “conservatorship” are often used together, but it is important to understand that these are different terms for distinct legal situations. A guardianship concerns duties over a person, while a conservatorship concerns duties over the finances and assets of a person. Conservatorships are much less common for minor children, but they are relatively common for older adults who become incapacitated. 

Situations Involving Guardianships for Minor Children

What types of situations may involve a guardianship for a minor in Missouri? There are a range of situations in which a court may appoint a guardian or another party may petition for a guardianship. The following are the kinds of circumstances under which a guardian may be appointed to provide care and to take on legal responsibilities for a minor:

• Minor’s parents have died;
• Minor’s parents have abandoned the minor; or
• Minor’s parents cannot provide appropriate care for the minor.

Whether you have questions about seeking a guardianship or concerns about the guardian appointment process, one of our Missouri guardianship lawyers can assist you.

Contact a St. Louis Guardianship Lawyer Today

At Raza Family Law Solutions, we focus on resolving family law issues as peacefully as possible. If you have questions about guardianships in the St. Louis area, you should get in touch with one of the St. Louis guardianship attorneys at our firm. We focus on attorney assisted mediation, cooperative law, and collaborative law in Missouri.