Guardianships
We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen to you and understand your specific needs...
The Nevin Law Firm has quality “Attorneys” to represent you in many areas of law. In all of our cases, our goal is not only to do excellent work, but to educate you on your case and inform you of what is happening, when, and why.
A Notable and Highly-Respected Estate Planning Law Firm Helps Families Handle Guardianship Issues in Nashville and Neighboring Counties
Our legal team provides protection for Tennessee minors through guardianships
Ensuring that minors are protected and taken care of when they are unable to take care of themselves is of the utmost importance to the team at The Nevin Law Firm. We have helped citizens across Tennessee establish and maintain guardianships for the benefit of the minor children in their care. We appreciate the difficulty of this process but also the reward that comes with knowing a child you care about is protected and provided for.
What is a guardianship?
A guardianship is a powerful tool for protecting minors and ensuring that a responsible adult is making decisions on their behalf when they are unable to do so for themselves – whether because of a disability or simply as a result of a child’s natural immaturity. It is similar to a conservatorship, but in Tennessee a guardianship applies specifically to individuals less than 18 years of age. An appointed guardian can make decisions for a minor in his or her care concerning medical, financial, and educational matters, as well as determine where the child lives and the activities in which she or he can engage. When a minor under a legal guardianship reaches 18, the guardianship generally terminates if the court does not extend it.
Who may apply for a guardianship?
Various individuals can apply for a guardianship of a minor, and Tennessee law prioritizes the order in which the court considers them:
- First priority are the parents or a parent of the minor
- Second priority is the individual (or individuals) that the minor’s parents designated in a will or other legal document
- Third priority are siblings of the minor, assuming they are over the age of 18
- Fourth priority are relatives of the minor, and, generally speaking, closer relatives are considered before more distant relatives
- Lastly, professional caregivers or service providers who are not related to the minor can apply in the absence of other alternatives
Because a guardianship can be opposed by anyone with an interest in the matter, it is important to undertake this process with an experienced attorney who is well-versed in the state’s guardianship laws.
Helping people throughout Tennessee set up and maintain guardianships
Clients of The Nevin Law Firm have come to our trusted Nashville attorneys with guardianship needs in a variety of circumstances:
Individuals looking to establish a guardianship after becoming a caregiver to the child of a deceased or incapacitated friend or family member
Families looking to incorporate a child into their lives while leaving room for the child’s biological parents to have contact and a relationship with the child
Parents looking to manage a substantial inheritance left to their child until he or she is in a position of maturity and able to manage the assets themselves
There are numerous circumstances in which a guardianship might be necessary or desired, and our knowledgeable estate planning attorneys can help you determine whether this is a good option for your family.
THE NEVIN LAW FIRM HAS BEEN SERVING MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOR 50 YEARS
If you have a question or concern in any of our practice areas, please do not hesitate to complete the form below or call (615) 244-7708 today. We would be happy to meet with you for an initial consultation.
We accept payment plans with no minimum payments or mandatory deadlines, so you can pay when you can afford it.