When life throws you a curve ball, The Halks Firm is here to help you. If you are looking to establish or enforce guardianship in , contact our family law firm. If circumstances no longer allow for the child’s birth parents to care for him or her, we can help you establish legal guardianship for the child. As a legal guardian, you essentially take on the responsibilities of a parent. If you are considering applying for legal guardianship, we would be proud to offer you our unparalleled legal services. We believe that all children deserve to be provided for. We applaud your efforts and would be proud to help you file the necessary paperwork in your journey toward becoming a legal guardian.
Are You Seeking To Establish
Legal Guardianship?
We Can Offer You The Trusted & Proven Counsel That You Need.
Schedule A ConsultationLegal Guardianship Attorney
Helping You Open The Next Chapter Of Your Life: (781) 381-4007
Rights & Responsibilities Of A Legal Guardian
While most often the caretaker is a close relative of the child, legal guardians are not required to be related to the child. If a grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle cannot fulfill the role of legal guardian, this role may be entrusted to another relative or close family friend. Regardless of your relationship with the child, as his or her legal guardian, you will be granted the same rights and responsibilities that a parent would have.
-
The Child’s Medical Care
-
The Child’s Education
-
The Child’s Residence
-
The Child’s Financial Support
-
Granting The Child, If Under 18, Permission To Get Married
-
Granting The Child, If Under 18, Permission To Enlist In The Military
We Have The Answers You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Questions
-
What Is A Legal Guardian?
Answer
A legal guardian is a non-parent who takes on all the legal responsibility for a child. Legal guardians are responsible for the care and support of the child or children. In order to establish guardianship, you must file papers in court. You will be required to pay a filing fee when you file your petition stating your interest in obtaining guardianship. Next, you will file a letter of consent from the child’s parents. From here, the court will set up interviews and may order a home visit and background check.
-
What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A Legal Guardian?
Answer
Becoming the legal guardian of a child has many benefits. Unlike foster parents, legal guardians are responsible for making key decisions for the minor. Legal guardianship is advantageous for long-term care. It is a means of providing the same care and love that a parent may be unable to offer the child.
-
How Does Guardianship Differ From Adoption?
Answer
During the adoption process, the biological parents’ rights are terminated and the adoptive parents become the child’s legal parents. Unlike adoption, as the legal guardian of the child, you will not be required to terminate the child’s legal relationship to his or her parents. The birth parents of the child will still have the right and responsibility of support and visitation.
-
Nicholas Halks
Lead Family Law Attorney
Attorney Nicholas Halks is a respected family lawyer with a background handling high-stakes custody disputes, divorces, family law matters. He is also an experienced trial attorney who has handled cases at all three levels: Trial, Appellate, and the Supreme Judicial Court. He devotes his entire practice to matters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Nicholas earned his B.S. from the University of South Carolina where he attended on academic scholarship. He received his J.D. from The Massachusetts School of Law, where he was the Editor of the Student Journal, The Verdict, as well as founder and host of the televised debate show, Final Adjudication. Before graduation, he was the winner of two CALI Awards for Excellence. Nicholas is also a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Lawrence and grew up in nearby Andover, Massachusetts. In his spare time, Nicholas enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, and being by the ocean.
Why Choose The Halks Law Firm?
Discover What We Can Bring to the Table
-
We Are Trial Attorneys Like no Other
Attorney Nicholas Halks has tried over 40 cases. -
Free, No-Obligation Consultations
Discuss your case and options at no cost. -
Constant Communication
Each client receives individual attention. -
Assists with All Documents
You're never alone. We help at every step. -
Award-Winning Representation
Recognized by numerous legal organizations.
Our Attorneys Build Unbreakable Bonds With Our Clients
Hear What They Have to Say
-
“I’ve learned to recognize young talent destined for great success in their field. Nick most definitely fits that description.”
Jeff
-
“He was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and honest with me about my case and my chances for success.”
Stephanie
-
“Nick was very professional and easy to work with. ”
Former Client
