An Attorney Who Has Walked In Your Shoes

Experienced Guardianship Lawyer

In July of 2009, a new Probate Code was implemented in Massachusetts. This code includes significant changes to the way guardianship of a minor is handled in the state, and there are now very specific rules that must be followed. While guardians have certain responsibilities regarding the child, the child’s parents still retain certain rights.

If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or another person in a child’s life and you have questions about guardianship, contact me, Claudette-Jean Girard. I am a lawyer, a parent, and a grandparent, and I am familiar with many of the challenges you are facing.

Guardianship Of A Child In Massachusetts

When a parent or both parents of a child are temporarily unable to care for the child, another adult may be appointed the child’s guardian. Guardianship is not adoption. It’s a legal way of allowing a family member or another party to take custody of a child; it can be an alternative to having the Department of Children and Families (DCF) take custody of the child. Often, guardianship is awarded to a family member following problems with neglect, chemical dependency, mental illness or abuse.

I am a family law attorney who can represent parties on all sides of guardianship cases. I can act for the child’s parent or the potential legal guardian. I am familiar with the buzzwords and factors that the judges look for in these complex and emotionally challenging situations.

Call 877-622-6089 to arrange a free 30-minute consultation with a Springfield guardianship attorney or send me an email. I can guide you through this difficult time.