Why You Should Seek Standby Guardianship Rights If You Are Concerned About Your Grandchild
If your daughter has been struggling with a drug addiction for the last few years and has a child, it might be a good idea to talk to her about appointing you as a standby guardian to this child. Even if your daughter is currently doing well and staying clean, there is always a chance she could relapse, which is why it would be important to make sure your grandchild has a standby guardian in case it is needed. Here are several things to know about standby guardianship.
What Is A Standby Guardian?
Standby guardianship rights offer protection over a child if it is needed. A standby guardian is a person who is appointed by a court to serve as a legal guardian over a child if necessary. It does not give you legal rights over the child permanently, but it would give you rights if certain events happen.
In your situation, your standby guardianship rights could kick in if, for example, your daughter begins using drugs again and ends up unable to take care of her child. She might simply be acting in ways that are irresponsible, or she might have checked herself into a drug rehab facility. In either case, having this form of guardianship would offer a way for your grandchild to be taken care of by you if their mother was not able to care for them.
Why Is This Important?
Getting standby guardianship is important for many types of situations and reasons. In your case, it is important primarily for the protection of your grandchild. If your daughter is not taking care of them properly, you could petition the court to begin the standby guardianship rights. If the court agrees, you will have custody of your grandchild.
This type of guardianship would give you all legal rights to the child, and this primarily relates to decisions that must be made about him or her. It will allow you to take them to the doctor for treatment or to ask questions, and it would allow you to enroll them in school. This form of guardianship basically gives you the right to do anything that is needed for the child.
If you are concerned with the well-being of your grandchild, asking for standby guardianship rights might be a good step to take. If you would like to learn more about this, contact a family law firm in your city today to schedule an appointment.