How is temporary guardianship terminated?

Temporary guardianship is a legal arrangement that allows a caregiver to care for a child when the child’s parents are unable to do so. 


However, temporary guardianship is meant to be a short-term solution and may be terminated under certain circumstances. Here’s what you need to know about how temporary guardianship is terminated.

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Expiration of Temporary Guardianship

Temporary guardianship is granted for a specific period of time, which is specified in the court order. When the temporary guardianship period ends, the caregiver’s authority to care for the child also ends. The child must be returned to their parents or other legal guardians.

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If the caregiver needs to extend the temporary guardianship, they must file a new petition with the court and demonstrate that there is still a need for temporary guardianship. The court will then hold a new hearing to determine if the temporary guardianship should be extended.

Revocation of Temporary Guardianship

Temporary guardianship may also be revoked if the court determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the child. 

This may occur if the child’s parents are able to resume their parenting responsibilities, if the caregiver is no longer able to provide adequate care for the child, or if there is a change in the child’s circumstances that makes temporary guardianship unnecessary.

If the court revokes the temporary guardianship, the child must be returned to their parents or other legal guardians. 

The caregiver may also be required to provide an accounting of the time that they spent as temporary guardian and any expenses that they incurred on behalf of the child.

Voluntary Termination of Temporary Guardianship

Temporary guardianship may also be terminated voluntarily if the child’s parents or legal guardians are able to resume their parenting responsibilities. 

The caregiver and the child’s parents may work together to create a plan for the child’s return to their parents, which may include a transition period or other accommodations.

The temporary guardianship may also be terminated if the caregiver is no longer able or willing to provide care for the child. In this case, the caregiver may need to provide notice to the court and the child’s parents or legal guardians that they are terminating the temporary guardianship.