Legal Care of a Child

• parent
• step-parent

• a decision making power related to the child
• with whom the children will live
• how much visitation the other parent will have

• best interests of the child OR
• consent of the parties

A parent education class is required.

After the Petition for Custody is filed, the parties are prohibited from removing the child out of State.

• any adult
• grandparent*

*Special standards apply to grandparents. See visitation instruction packet.

• a schedule of contact with the child

• best interests of the child OR
• consent of the parties

A parent education class may be required.

After the Petition for Visitation is filed, the parties are prohibited from removing the child from the State.

Parties may file a Motion for Temporary Contact.

• any adult (non-parents)

• legal authority to care for a child as if you were a parent
• parental rights not terminated
• parents may be liable to pay support
• contact with parent may be ordered

• child is dependent or neglected and guardianship is in the child's best interests OR
• parent(s) consent

• a blood relative
• foster parent

• legal authority to care for a child as if you were a parent
• parental rights not terminated
• parents may be liable to pay support
• contact with parent may be ordered

• adoption is not possible
• permanent guardianship is in the child's best interests
• one ground for TPR is met OR
• parents(s) consent

A social report is required.

Permanent guardianship is very difficult to modify or terminate.