A guardian is a person with legal responsibility for a child and the authority to make important decisions on the child's behalf. Guardianship is often confused with parenting time, but they are different ideas.
What guardians decide
Guardians are commonly involved in major decisions about a child's upbringing, such as education, health care, religion and where the child lives.
Who is a guardian?
In many families, parents are guardians by default. Others, such as a grandparent or other relative, may become a guardian through an agreement or a court order if that is in the child's best interests.
Guardianship and parenting time
A guardian is not always the person the child lives with day to day. Parenting time describes when a child is in a person's care, and arrangements can be shared in many ways after separation.
The child's best interests
Decisions about guardianship and parenting are guided by what is best for the child, including their safety, stability and relationships.
If you are unsure where you stand, a lawyer can explain how guardianship applies to your family.
Articles provide general information only and are not legal advice.
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