What does it mean to be a guardian? The legal definition in the Constitution State is the adult who is legally responsible for the well-being and upbringing of a child. But the truth of the matter is more than that. Guardians can become beloved members of a new family for a child who is in need of parents.
Guardians may be anyone appointed by the probate court, although people who are related to the child such as uncles and grandparents are often considered for guardianship if they are available and willing to help. In some cases, the experience reactivates the parental instincts and preferences of people who have done the job before.
A 56-year-old grandmother rediscovered her maternal abilities when she and her husband adopted their 7-year-old grandson. Within five years, the house also had a pair of identical twin sisters as adoptees and are in the process of adopting another girl as well as taking care of their six biological grandchildren on occasion.
“It was in my heart to adopt,” said the adoptive mother. “We love children and we wanted to continue to have children in the home. Our purpose is to bring joy to their lives, to help them understand there is goodness and there is happiness, and there is security and safety.”
Prospective guardians who want to help children live their best lives may seek legal representation before appearing to make their case in probate court. An attorney can make it easier to seek a guardianship and possibly increase the chances of a claim for guardianship being successful.