In Wisconsin, private guardianship of a minor and private adoption are two distinct legal pathways that allow non-parents to provide long-term care and decision-making authority for a child. Private guardianship formalizes caregiving without terminating the parents’ legal rights. Private adoption creates a permanent new parent-child relationship by terminating the birth parents’ rights and transferring full […]
Is Minor Guardianship on the Rise in Wisconsin?
Recent evidence suggests minor guardianship is a growing consideration in Wisconsin, particularly when parents are unable or unwilling to care for their children. There are many reasons for the trend from social and economic factors to domestic violence and child welfare. Like many states, Wisconsin grapples with challenges like substance abuse, mental health issues, and […]
Law Expands Types of Wisconsin Private Guardianship
Many children are raised by someone other than a parent temporarily or permanently before reaching the age of 18. Many of these arrangements are informal, however, without legal guardianship, the person caring for the child cannot consent to a child’s medical, educational or other critical needs so formal guardianship is often in the best interest […]
Grandparent Role When Parent Has Substance Abuse Issue
When the parent of a grandchild has drug or alcohol addiction issues, a grandparent is naturally concerned about the well-being of their grandchild. Every day, grandparents across the country step up to provide not only financial and emotional support, but a safe haven for their grandchildren when their parents struggle with substance abuse. Economic and […]
Guardianship of a Grandchild in Wisconsin
Grandparents may have concerns regarding the well-being of a grandchild when a parent is not providing for their grandchild’s physical, emotional or social well-being. Issues regarding the care of a child may arise when a parent is struggling with substance abuse or mental illness or when the parent is absent for periods of time. […]
Guardianship in Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Abuse Prevention Month, held each April, helps raise awareness about physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of children and child neglect. Unfortunately, every year in the U.S., millions of reports of suspected child abuse are filed, with children subject to abuse where they live, play, and learn, often by someone they know such as a […]
Adoption Versus Legal Guardianship of a Family Member
If you are considering adoption, there are many options ranging from adopting a family member to adopting someone who has no relationship to you. There are several ways to adopt a child including independent or private adoptions, which involve biological parents and prospective adoptive parents reaching an agreement to adopt a child. Public adoptions occur […]
Differences Between Adoption and Guardianship
The difference between adoptions and guardianships are significant: Adoption, on the other hand, terminates a parent’s rights and obligations to the child, severing all ties unless there is a special agreement to continue visitation between the parties. The Role of the Guardian A guardian’s responsibilities typically include providing the day to day needs of a […]
When Grandparents Take Over Care of Grandchild
Today, many parents rely on the help of family members to raise their children for a variety of reasons. It may be that a parent is working two jobs or is attending school and needs a reliable sitter. Other times a parent may just be struggling and needs help taking care of their child. Often […]
Preparing for Guardianship of an Adult Child
When a child with special needs is a minor, parents make decisions about healthcare, school and other legal decisions on their behalf. When a child turns 18, guardianship may be appropriate so that parents can continue to make decisions for an adult child with special needs, who may otherwise struggle without needed support. Least Restrictive […]