THE NEVIN LAW FIRM

We pride ourselves in 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.

 

Leave the law to us so you can focus on securing your family

Call us today for a personal consultation

Lean on The Nevin Law Firm family to help your family with guardianship needs. It can be a complicated process, but you can rest easy with five decades of experience and expertise. Call us today at (615) 244-7708 to explore your legal needs. We offer payment plans, and accept credit and debit cards for many of our services.