Guardianships

Helping Families Protect Children Through Legal Guardianships

When a child’s parents are unable to provide care—due to death, incapacity, incarceration, addiction, or instability—a legal guardian may be needed to step in and provide stability. A guardianship gives a trusted adult the legal authority to care for a minor and make important decisions on their behalf.

At the Law Offices of Oliver Greenwood, we guide families through every step of the guardianship process—whether temporary or long-term—with clarity, compassion, and an unwavering focus on the best interests of the child.

What Is a Guardianship?

Guardianship is a court process that appoints someone to care for a minor child when the parents cannot. There are two main types:

• Guardianship of the Person – The guardian makes decisions about the child’s health, education, housing, and daily care.
   
• Guardianship of the Estate – The guardian manages the child’s income, inheritance, or other financial matters.
   

Sometimes, the same person serves in both roles. In other cases, the court may appoint different individuals depending on the situation.

Common Reasons for Guardianship

• A parent is deceased or missing
   
• A parent is incarcerated or in rehab
   
• A parent is mentally or physically incapacitated
   
• A child is being neglected or abused
   
• A parent agrees a guardian is in the child's best interest
   

Our Legal Services Include:

• Preparing and filing the guardianship petition
   
• Representing proposed guardians or opposing parties
   
• Advising court-appointed guardians on their duties
   
• Navigating investigations and court hearings
   
• Serving as court-appointed attorney for minors
   

Oliver Greenwood has served as counsel in hundreds of guardianship matters and regularly accepts court appointments to represent minors. He also lectures on guardianship practice and has contributed to several legal publications on the subject.

Guardianship vs. Adoption

Guardianship does not terminate parental rights—it temporarily suspends them. A guardianship may be terminated by court order if a parent later becomes able to care for their child. Adoption, on the other hand, permanently ends the legal relationship with the biological parents.

Guidance You Can Trust

Whether you are stepping up to care for a grandchild, niece, nephew, or family friend, we’re here to help. Guardianship can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

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