Guardianships

Experienced Legal Guardianship Attorney

If you are seeking to gain guardianship or defend against an individual seeking guardianship, enlist the help of Andrew H.P. Norton. My staff is committed to helping clients understand their rights and the guardianship process.

There are two types of guardianships in Massachusetts:

Guardianships over children

When seeking legal guardianship over a child, an individual needs to show that both parents are unable or unfit to care for a child and ensure that their basic needs are met. My firm has handled many cases in which siblings or grandparents were seeking guardianship in order to protect a child.

Guardianships over adults

In certain cases, a guardianship over an adult must be established in order to see that the adult stays safe and secure. Adults who are incapable of caring for themselves due to drug addiction, physical incapacitation, mental illness, mental retardation, or other reasons may require the intervention of a loved one or friend to ensure their well being.

• All guardianships start out as temporary, 90-day orders. They must be renewed after this time has elapsed. Subsequently they may be dismissed or the order may become permanent. However, the legal guardianship is permanent in name only and can be revoked at any time.

Contact legal guardianship lawyer Andrew H.P. Norton today. I offer a free consultation so you can discuss your case with me without cost or obligation.