Guardianship

A Guardianship is defined as a person who assumes legal responsibility for another’s child or an adult over “their person” and/or their person and financial assets, also known as their estate.

Guardianship orders grant Guardians the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of a child or adult who would otherwise lack such authority. Guardianships are commonly established when a child’s parent is temporarily unavailable or when an adult faces an incapacity, often due to a medical condition that impairs their ability to make legal decisions.

The duration of guardianships can vary. For children, it may range from as little as six months to reaching the age of majority, typically 18 years old. Adult guardianships can also vary based on different factors and considerations.

To qualify as a Guardian, the court looks for individuals deemed suitable and competent. However, there are certain categories of individuals who are considered unsuitable, including minors, felons convicted of certain crimes involving abuse, neglect, or financial crimes, those who have been judicially determined to have committed abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and individuals suspected of misconduct or who have been disbarred or suspended from the practice of law (during the period of suspension or disbarment only).

Jennifer Gastelum has extensive experience assisting families with various types of guardianship proceedings. Contact us today for a consultation. You can also learn more about guardianship laws in Nevada by visiting the Nevada Revised Statutes – Guardianship and explore our legal services for further information.