Legal guardianship of grandchild

#1 06-13-2003, 08:44 AM

Our five year old granddaughter has lived with us since she was born. She will be starting kindergarten in the fall and I have been told we need legal guardianship in order to enroll her in school. I need to know what process needs to happen in order for us to have guardianship. Thanks.

RitaBoyd · #2 06-14-2003, 09:48 AM

It depends. Are the child's parents dead? Have there ever been any Court Orders whatsoever in regard to the child? If so what? If the parents are alive do you have a good address on them? Will the parents agree for you to have legal conservatorship? If you'd like to speak in person please call 214/750-0500. Rita M. Boyd Attorney

#3 08-04-2003, 06:05 AM

Our grandson just turned 16 and wants to live with us his grandparents. His mom in Louisiana has sole custody and has to remain in La. for medical care but wants her son to begin the school year in two weeks here in Texas. The school district in Texas says only needs notorized guardianship signed by his mom to accept him into 11th grade here. Is there anything else you recommend we obtain to make sure there are no problems with medical care signing him up for driver's ed etc.? I personally think a "contract" between grandson his mom and grandparents stating each one's expectations and conditions would be advised.(FYI-His mom ran off when she turned 14 to live with HER mom even though her father had sole custody so I feel we need something offical enough so both his mom and he understand the responsibilities this involves for her father now her son's grandfather. Just sign me "Concerned Stepmother/Grandmother"

RitaBoyd · #4 08-08-2003, 08:18 PM

My advice would be to obtain legal conservatorship of the child then not guardianship. You can use this notarized "Guardianship" paper to get him into school in two weeks. However the conservatorship will take a little longer. You would file this case through the Family Court (as opposed to the Probate Court). You can be very specific in the Court Order and have all the parties sign same. You would be well-advised to use something simpler and less formal with the child himself. There will be words in the Court Order no child would be expected to understand. Please call 972/380-8000 for a consultation. Rita M. Boyd Attorney