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Step 1
Understand that most states have a mechanism by which you can ask a court to give temporary guardianship (which is like custody) of your child to someone else for a specific time or for a specific reason.
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Step 2
Know that the most common reasons to do this would be if you are very ill and will spend a significant amount of time away for medical care, if you must travel far away for your job for an extended amount of time or if you are suffering from a disability and need assistance.
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Step 3
Realize that guardianship will give the other adult the right to make all decisions for your child, although the court may monitor some of them.
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Step 4
Do not consider this is if the other parent is available to care for the child. If you have a family member who can help you, you should also consider this first. However, your child's school may require guardianship papers if you ask a relative for extended help.
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Step 5
Apply for a temporary guardianship through your local family or surrogate court. If you do not know which court to go to, call one and ask them where to do this. The court personnel can assist you in completing the paperwork, but cannot give you legal advice. The judge will have the final say as to whether or not guardianship will be given.
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Step 6
Consider talking to an attorney before taking any action. This could affect your parental rights in the future.
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Step 7
Seek other alternatives before filing for temporary guardianship.
Comments
zebralady said
on 6/28/2009 I am moving out of state and my 16 year old wants to stay and finish school while living with her 20 year old sister, which is fine with me. Do I need to file papers or can I just have a permission form notarized?
Maranatha80 said
on 1/12/2009 Great article. I was talking with a friend about temporary guardianship today. 5*'s!
rmf956 said
on 2/22/2008 Great article. Have one question. Are the forms for temporary or permanent guardianship the same?