When you think about legal guardianships, you likely imagine a child whose parents passed away in an accident or even a devastating house fire.
A grandparent, close family friend, or neighbor steps up and fills their biological parents’ shoes.
Of course, everyone lives happily ever after!
However, children aren’t the only ones needing guardianships.
And, if you think anyone can be a guardian with a signed form and a heartfelt court appearance, you might be watching too many movies.
Learn more about adult and child guardianships in Nevada below.
If you’ve ever filled out a form at a doctor’s office or for an upcoming school trip, you probably signed a line labeled “Parent or Guardian” signature.
That circles back to legal guardianships!
A guardian is a court-appointed person who takes on a caretaker role for somebody who cannot do it themselves, whether that’s due to age (under 18), disability, or incompetency.
If a Nevada family court judge approves your petition for guardianship, you must:
Guardians also have to follow strict rules.
For example, you can’t sell the protected person’s belongings, use their monthly budget for your personal gain, end the guardianship, or move them out of state without court approval.
You can learn more about what you can and can’t do as a guardian here.
Whether you’re the guardian for an elderly parent, a mentally disabled sibling, or a parentless child, Nevada does have restrictions on who can fill that guardian role.
In Nevada, a guardian must be 18 years of age or older.
However, you may not be eligible for guardianship if you:
Yet, applying for a guardianship isn’t enough to guarantee a judge will appoint you to that role.
In the case of an orphaned parent, multiple loved ones may petition the courts.
If that happens, the court might assign co-guardians (if they’re willing to share). Or the Court may choose one potential guardian over the other based on CPS recommendations, the relationship to the child at issue, and the child’s guardianship preferences.
A court-appointed guardian from the Office of the Public Guardian will take on the guardian role if nobody offers or if there’s an emergency (ex: the protected person or their estate are in danger).
Children will need a guardian if their biological parents are no longer able to care for them and meet their basic survival needs.
A child may need a legal guardian if their parents cannot care for the child physically, mentally, or financially.
That could mean a severe physical disability, an unstable or unsafe home life, parental abuse, or both parents being absent or deceased.
Healthy adults rarely need guardianships, but you might need a legal guardian one day if you become incapacitated or mentally incompetent.
You’ll see adult guardianship cases in the elderly, particularly in those with psychosis, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia.
If an adult can still make some decisions for themselves, Nevada also has a “special guardianship” where you’ll split decision-making between yourself and the protected person.
All guardianships will come to an end, though exactly how is a matter of time.
A guardianship over a child ends the day they turn 18 unless they have yet to graduate from high school; in that case, you and the child must agree to extend it to age 19 (file two weeks before 18).
If you’re a guardian for an adult, the guardianship will end in one of two ways: two physicians can prove that the protected person is now competent, or the Protected Person passes away.
However, anyone can petition to terminate or dissolve a guardianship at any time.
A judge may end a guardianship if the child’s parents step forward with proof that they can care for a child physically and mentally or if either party permanently relocates over state lines.
In Nevada, there are four types of guardianships:
You can also bypass guardianships entirely with a living will, power of attorney, or adoption.
The process for petitioning for guardianship depends on whether you’re pursuing an adult or a child guardianship.
Generally, Nevada law requires a would-be guardian to file paperwork with the court, submit the order to a judge, argue your case in front of a judge, and prove you’re a good fit.
The court proceedings may involve expert testimony to ensure that the protected person needs a guardian and that the aspiring guardian can fill those shoes.
You can learn more about petitioning for a child or adult guardianship (and the forms you have to complete) here.
Need? No.
However, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a family law attorney who can help you find the best guardian for yourself or a loved one.
At the Rosenblum Allen Law Firm, our team is here to help.
We’ll assign an attorney to your case, discuss guardianship options, and walk you through the mounds of legal paperwork.
Give our office a call at (702) 433-2889 or complete our online form to request more information.
Here’s a reminder about the other sources on your website related to guardianship:
Guardianship (Temporary v. Permanent): This section explains the differences between temporary and permanent guardianship. It provides insights into the legal requirements, responsibilities, and considerations for both types of guardianship.
Nevada Guardianship Attorneys: This section highlights your law firm’s expertise in handling guardianship cases in Nevada. It emphasizes the importance of seeking legal assistance when navigating the complexities of guardianship proceedings.
Terminate Legal Guardianship in Las Vegas: This section addresses the process of terminating legal guardianship in Las Vegas. It provides guidance and information on the necessary steps, requirements, and considerations for terminating a guardianship arrangement.
Pros and Cons of Guardianship in Nevada: Is It Right for You? This resource discusses the advantages and disadvantages of guardianship in Nevada. It helps individuals considering guardianship understand the implications, benefits, and potential challenges associated with this legal arrangement.
Guardianship (Summary vs. Estate): This resource explores the differences between summary guardianship and estate guardianship. It explains the legal framework, procedures, and factors to consider when determining the appropriate type of guardianship.
Adult vs. Child Guardianship: This resource discusses the distinctions between adult and child guardianship. It provides information about the legal processes and considerations involved in each type of guardianship.
We’re ready to fight for your family’s rights!
Are you in Las Vegas and need help finding a guardian attorney?
Look no further than The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm!
We provide top-notch legal counsel for getting the job done right.
Our lawyers are knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about helping clients find the best possible guardianship solution.
Plus we offer competitive rates to make it easier on your wallet too!
With us on your side, you know that everything is taken care of with precision and care so there’s nothing left for worry.
Go ahead and give us a call today at (702) 433-2889—we can’t wait to serve as your guardian attorneys soon!
The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm, serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Centennial Hills, Clark County, and Nye County, is the firm that individuals and businesses alike count on to handle their litigation.