Guardianship and custody are legal concepts related to the care and control of children, but they serve different purposes and involve different legal processes. Understanding the distinctions between them is essential for anyone involved in child welfare situations. Here’s an overview of guardianship and custody
Established for a limited period, often used in emergencies or when parents need short-term assistance.
Established when it is deemed that a child cannot return to their parents’ care, often following a court finding of neglect or abuse.
A guardian has the legal authority to make decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare. This includes managing the child's finances if applicable.
One parent has full custody rights and responsibilities.
Both parents share custody, either through joint physical custody (shared living arrangements) or joint legal custody (shared decision-making).
is often about providing care when parents cannot, while custody pertains to parenting responsibilities following separation or divorce.
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