When life throws you a curve ball, Dunham & Ingram LLC 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.
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Legal Guardianship?
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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.
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The Child’s Medical Care
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The Child’s Education
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The Child’s Residence
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The Child’s Financial Support
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Granting The Child, If Under 18, Permission To Get Married
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Granting The Child, If Under 18, Permission To Enlist In The Military
We Have The Answers You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Andy Ingram
Attorney
A native of Central Florida, Andy Ingram is committed to providing every single one of his clients with top-notch representation. Prior to graduating high school, he earned his associate’s college degree. Then, in just three short years, he graduated with two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Florida. In 2005, he graduated from University of Florida's Levin College of Law and became a licensed attorney that very same year.
Shortly after his time as a public defender, Mr. Ingram focused his efforts on employment and labor law for many years. This unique experience enabled him to develop his skill set in discovery strategy and motion practice. He then worked at the Alachua County Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, combining his experience in civil practice and criminal defense. He is intimately familiar with both civil and criminal trial practice at the federal and state levels and has extensive federal trial experience.
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Christopher L. Dunham
Attorney
As an Ocala native, Christopher Dunham is committed to providing individuals with high-quality legal representation. He attended Florida State University College of Law, where he earned his law degree, and then became a licensed attorney in 2007. Mr. Dunham started his career in law by working under State Attorney Brad King for the Fifth Judicial Circuit as a prosecutor. While he was there, he successfully handled 1,000s of felony and misdemeanor cases. Throughout his time prosecuting individuals, Mr. Dunham tried many cases for Florida, including numerous DUI trials.
Even though Mr. Dunham is currently focused on family law and criminal defense cases, he, above all, considers himself a trial lawyer. He firmly believes that the real work of a lawyer is not conducted behind a desk but, rather, in the courtroom. As a result of this belief, he chooses his cases based on his clients’ need for proven and strong trial strategy, instead of the circumstances and laws involved.
Why Dunham & Ingram LLC?
We Offer a Higher Level of Advocacy
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We have extensive experience with all types of cases.
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We are committed to protecting your rights and interests.
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We will always communicate clearly with you.
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We offer a free, no-risk consultation to new clients.
