Vermont Parent's Consent to Custodial Guardianship

The Family Law Act applies to everyone else who must make decisions about a child. What is Guardianship? A guardian of a child has certain entitlements (rights), responsibilities and powers with respect to that child.

1 attorney answer Although a child's wishes are one factor among many the court must consider in determining the child's best interests, a minor child never gets to "decide" which parent to live with.

When Will the Court Consider a Child's Preference? When a child has reached the age of 14 in Vermont, the child can choose his or her guardian, subject to the court's approval. Children who are younger than 14 don't have the right to select the parent who they would like to have custody.

A guardian can be a relative or kinship carer, a family friend or an authorised carer who has an established and positive relationship with the child or young person. There is no legal definition of who may be a suitable person.

Although the law specifically permits children at least 14-years-old to express an opinion, there is no specific age when a judge will listen to a child's opinion. California statutes also permit a child younger than 14 years old to testify regarding a custodial preference, unless the court decides it's not in the

The key difference is the child's parentage: custody describes a parent's care of a child, whereas legal guardianship is granted to someone who is not the child's biological parent. In some situations, a child may be under the guardianship of an individual while remaining in the custody of their parents to a degree.

What's the procedure to establish guardianship of a child? You can establish guardianship of a child by filing papers in court. Initially, file a petition stating your interest in obtaining guardianship along with a filing fee. You'll also want to file a letter of consent from the child's parents.

Generally, guardians fulfill the role of a parent for a child who is not their own. However, in situations where a child has significant medical needs or the child has financial assets, the child's parent may obtain a guardianship over the child or the child's estate.

In cases where parents can't agree, a judge will decide visitation and custody based on the child's best interests.Both parents are bound by the terms of a custody order. If your child refuses to go to visits with the other parent, you could still be on the hook for failing to comply with a custody order.