Helping You Protect and Provide for a Child
While a child's natural parents generally have very substantial rights to make important decisions about the care and upbringing of that child, there are times when a child's rights to a stable household override his or her parents' rights.
At Law Office of Melissa D. Cianci, in Roseville, California, our attorneys help clients pursue guardianship over children who need greater care and protection than they are getting from their parents. To learn more about guardianship, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Pursuing Child Custody Through a Guardianship Action
Guardianship is a proceeding by which someone other than a child's legal parents can seek custodial rights because one or both parents are unfit to take responsibility for the child. While grandparents, aunts and uncles are the people most commonly granted guardianship over children, other relatives and non-relatives can also pursue custody when appropriate.
If you are concerned about a child you believe is in need of a legal guardian, we can go over your options and pursue a guardianship action if that is appropriate.
Guardianship of minor children can also be provided for in the parents' estate plans. If you have been named as a guardian of the child of someone who has died, one of our experienced family and probate lawyers can help you pursue legal recognition of that status.
Going Over the Full Range of Your Options
Guardianship is not the only option for grandparents who are concerned about their relationships with their grandchildren. Grandparents can also intervene in a pending divorce or paternity case to seek certain custodial and visitation rights.
Contact us to discuss whether guardianship is an appropriate strategy for protecting your grandchildren and your relationship with them or whether another approach may be more successful.
