Best Consumer Protection Lawyers in White Plains, NY

Court Appointed Guardian for a Destitute or Dependent Minor Unfortunately, not every child has a homelife that allows them to develop and thrive. In these instances, the courts may decide it is in the best interest of the child to appoint a guardian who is not the child’s biological parents. Ideally, a child will be raised in a home with the child’s biological parent(s); but, if maintaining a permanent home with the child’s biological parent(s) is not in the child’s best interest, the court’s may seek an alternative placement that allows the child to thrive. Social Security Law § 384-b outlines the legal procedures for appointing a guardian for a destitute or dependent child. A guardian is a person, over 18 years of age, who has the ability to make legal decisions for another and takes legal responsibility for another’s care. The law’s primary goal is to ensure that the subject child has a permanent home that provides the best opportunity for that child to grow into a responsible, productive citizen. Often before a guardian is appointed, services are provided to the family in an attempt to determine whether breaking-up the child’s family can be avoided. The legislative intent behind SSL § 384-b seeks to preserve parental rights, when possible, while also making sure that the child has a positive, nurturing relationship with their caregiver(s). Thus, whenever possible, the law seeks to help heal broken families rather than rushing to get the courts involved. However, if nec...