Permanent guardianship is one of several dispositions available when a judge in Connecticut Court finds that a child has been abused or neglected. One of these is to transfer guardianship of the child to a suitable and worthy caretaker.
The proposed guardian is usually a relative or an individual who has a significant relationship with the child. The guardianship is of indefinite duration. It could last until the child turns 18. On the other hand, a parent may at any time request that his or her guardianship be reinstated.
This type of guardianship allows a biological parent an opportunity to address the issues that led to the child’s removal but also provides a measure of stability for the child. In cases where the guardianship transfer is to a relative, it also maintains family ties.
Recently, a second type of guardianship became effective in Connecticut Juvenile Court and Connecticut Probate Court – permanent guardianship.
There are extensive requirements, which include:
- One of the grounds for Termination of Parental Rights exists or the parents consent to permanent guardianship;
- Adoption is not possible or appropriate;
- Consent required for a child 12 years of age or older and if the child is under 12 then the proposed guardian must be a relative or presently have guardianship of a sibling of the child;
- The child must have resided with proposed guardian for at least a year; and
- The biological parent cannot reopen or modify the guardianship.
In essence, this guardianship is an alternative to the termination of parental rights. It establishes permanency for the child while still permitting visitation between the parent and child.
Connecticut Guardianship Attorney
I represent clients in estate administration matters and in Probate Courts though out Fairfield County including those who reside in Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
Please email me or call me in Stamford at (203) 356-1475 or in Fairfield at (203) 259-5251 if you have wish to schedule a consultation regarding permanent guardianship in Connecticut.