Users' questions

How do I become a legal guardian of a child in Alabama?

How do I become a legal guardian of a child in Alabama?

In order to begin the process for court appointment of a minor, one party must petition the court for guardianship. The petition can be filed by any person interested in the welfare of the child. After a petition is filed, the court will set a date for the hearing and all interested parties will be notified.

How do I get guardianship in Alabama?

What are the steps followed in appointing a guardian or conservator for an adult?

  1. Petition files.
  2. Appointment of a guardian ad litem.
  3. Examination by physician.
  4. Appointment of court’s representative hearing.
  5. Jury at hearing if demanded.
  6. Bond for conservator.
  7. Order granting petition.

How long is temporary guardianship in Alabama?

six months
A temporary guardianship takes effect the day that all required parties sign the document, and automatically expires six months after that date if no sooner date is given.

How much does it cost to file for guardianship in Alabama?

Probate Court Costs

FILING FEES
Certified Mail $11.88
Conservatorship $37.00
Conservatorship/Guardianship $64.00
Conservatorship Final Settlement (Consent) $25.00

Who is eligible for a guardianship in Alabama?

In cases where Alabama guardianships are being appointed for care of a minor child, eligible parties can be anyone who is best capable of looking after the minor. A parent who is not capable of looking after their child still has priority when expressing their wishes on this matter.

What is conservatorship and what is a guardian in Alabama?

Alabama Conservatorship and Guardianship Overview. What is a Guardianship and what is a Guardian? In Alabama, a Guardian is a person who has been appointed by the Probate Court to manage and handle the personal welfare decisions, health care decisions, and lifestyle decisions for an incapacitated person or minor.

Is there a subsidized guardianship program for children?

Several States are exploring subsidized guardianship as a means to achieving permanency for children and youth who are not being adopted or reunited with family. The following resources can be helpful to learn more about guardianship and State and local examples of subsidized guardianship.

Where can I find information on guardianship of a child?

Guardianship U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau Offers information on the Children’s Bureau’s support of States and Tribes that have been approved to operate a Title IV-E Guardianship Assistance program and provides additional resources on guardianship and kinship care.

What are the rules for guardianship in Alabama?

If the person is mentally incapacitated, you will need to be patient and attentive. A ward who is a minor child must be someone you are on good terms with. Much as in divorce cases, the court’s primary interest when deciding on an Alabama guardianship is the child’s best interest.

Alabama Conservatorship and Guardianship Overview. What is a Guardianship and what is a Guardian? In Alabama, a Guardian is a person who has been appointed by the Probate Court to manage and handle the personal welfare decisions, health care decisions, and lifestyle decisions for an incapacitated person or minor.

How to get custody of a child in Alabama?

If the parents are on amicable terms they may agree to custody terms in a parenting agreement between themselves, or via a mediator. If child custody is disputed, however, they will have to receive a child custody order from a Alabama judge, who will attempt to make a custody decision that is in the “best interests of the child”.

How does the legal guardianship process work for a child?

The legal guardianship process begins with a court filing–the potential guardian must file a petition with the court indicating their intent to obtain guardianship. After the petition has been filed, there will be a hearing in court to determine whether guardianship is appropriate and in the best interests of the child.