Mark Required Fields In Legal Colorado Guardianship Forms For Free

Put simply, a legal guardian is a non-parent who takes care of a child. This includes providing food, clothing, shelter, access to education, and medical care. A legal guardian has all the legal responsibilities of a parent with respect to care and support.

A guardian, in making decisions, shall consider the expressed desires and personal values of the ward to the extent known to the guardian. A guardian, at all times, shall act in the ward's best interest and exercise reasonable care, diligence, and prudence.

Any person who is concerned about the well-being of the adult can file a guardianship case. You must be at least 21 years old to be the guardian for an adult. You can ask the court to name you as the guardian, or you can ask the court to name someone else who is at least 21 years old.

What Is a Guardian Ad Litem in Colorado? A guardian ad litem (?GAL?) is a person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a respondent in a proceeding as the court deems necessary. The duties of a guardian ad litem must be specified by the court.

The duration of a guardianship will depend on several factors, including the age and health of the ward. In general, guardianships for minors come to an end when minors turn 18. For vulnerable or incapacitated adults, guardianships can last until death or until the court terminates the legal relationship.

But, in general, the main differences between the two are who can take on each role, that person's main responsibilities and the length of the arrangement. As we've covered, custody is granted to parents or to someone with a parent-like relationship to a child; guardianship is appointed to someone other than a parent.