DRM Family Law Group: Guardianship

At Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (DRM), the experienced and dedicated family law team offers knowledgeable, sensitive representation regarding guardianship matters in Vermont.

Family Law and Guardianship

In the state of Vermont, biological parents or interested potential guardians may petition the Probate Court for an Order of Guardianship.

Guardianships of minor children may be granted in situations where:

• it is necessary for a person to act as a parent for the minor where the minor has no living parent
• the biological parent is unsuitable to have custody of the child
• the parents agree that the transfer of custody to a legal guardian would be in the best interest of the minor and is not solely for the purpose of establishing a residence for school purposes

Guardianship of an adult may be granted in situations where:

• the adult is incapable of making decisions on their own behalf due to incapacitation or illness
• the adult is in danger of harming themselves

Guardianship affords the guardian the legal status to protect and care for the ward and their estate for the duration of the guardianship. Guardianships are immediately terminable as long as all parties agree to the termination of the guardianship.

DRM’s family law attorneys provide first-rate, cost-effective client service.

Caryn Waxman and Amber Barber, co-chairs of the DRM Family Law Group, have each practiced family law exclusively for more than a dozen years. Both are regularly invited to address lawyers and other professionals on divorce matters and related complex financial issues, as well as other family law topics.

Keenly aware of the emotionally-charged nature of most family law issues, our family law team responds rapidly to clients’ needs, making every effort to ensure that you are informed about the status of your case and what steps are to be taken next.

Contact Us

To explore how the DRM Family Law Group can assist you, contact practice group co-chair Amber Barber or Caryn Waxman.