When life throws you a curve ball, Steven H. Klein & Associates, P.C. is here to help you. If you are looking to establish or enforce guardianship, 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.
Are You Seeking To Establish
Legal Guardianship?
We Can Offer You The Trusted & Proven Counsel That You Need.
Schedule A ConsultationLegal Guardianship Attorney
Helping You Open The Next Chapter Of Your Life: (845) 249-2031
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.
-
The Child’s Medical Care
-
The Child’s Education
-
The Child’s Residence
-
The Child’s Financial Support
-
Granting The Child, If Under 18, Permission To Get Married
-
Granting The Child, If Under 18, Permission To Enlist In The Military
We Have The Answers You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Questions
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Meet Steven H. Klein
Aggressive Legal Guidance. Compassionate Approach.
Attorney Steven H. Klein has been dedicated to helping clients navigate the legalities of family law for more than two decades. At New York Law School, he won first place in Writing and Oral Advocacy in the Froessel Moot Court Competition, represented his school on the National Moot Court Team, & received the William Kappelman Award for Excellence in Oral Advocacy. He graduated in 1997 with honors.
Facing a divorce, custody battle, or other legal matter can be overwhelming. Our firm has over 60 years of shared legal experience and the necessary knowledge and resources to help you pursue the best possible outcome. We understand that family matters can be extremely stressful—that’s why we take a personalized, compassionate approach!
-
Meet Louis M. Klein
Tough. Dedicated. Experienced.
Louis M. Klein began practicing law in 1967 after graduating New York University with his B.S. degree and Brooklyn Law School with his J.D. He first joined his father’s law firm before becoming a partner in Ewig, Klein & Klein. In addition to being a renowned Poughkeepsie family attorney, Lou has been very active in the area of civic and community affairs. In 1970, he was appointed Town Attorney of the Town of Esopus in Ulster County, a position that he held until he was elected to the Ulster County Legislature in 1971.
He later served as Minority Leader (1976-1977) and Chairman (1978-1979) of the Ulster County Legislature. In 1983, he was elected to his first of three consecutive three-year terms as a member of the Kingston City Schools Board of Education. Lou was elected President of the Board of Education for six one-year terms. More recently, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Ulster County Charter Commission.
In addition to several other civic activities and affiliations, he has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley, and President of the Lifetime Learning Institute at Bard College. Lou presently serves as the Chairman of the Ulster County Coalition Against Narcotics and the Ulster County EMS Advisory Board, having been appointed to those chairmanships by the Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature.
Why Choose Our Family Law Attorneys?
We Are Dedicated To Your Family's Best Interests
-
80+ Years of Collective Experience
-
Free Confidential Consultations
-
Personal Attention & Responsiveness
-
Steven Klein Holds a Superb AVVO Rating
-
More Than 2,500 Cases Handled
We Have a Solid Reputation
for Compassionate & Effective Counsel
-
“Thanks to him, I have kept my kids safe and happy, my house, and my life…and am forever grateful”
Caryl P
-
“Steve Klein is hands down the BEST attorney in this area! During the darkest part of my life- he was my shining light- offering the support, guidance,and attention I needed to get me through. ”
Amy
-
“An attorney you can trust to get the best outcome possible even in a difficult situation”
Elena G.
-
“Steve's professionalism, experience, confidence, compassion, honesty and strength are beyond comparison, my gratitude and respect is endless”
Jason F.