Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
legal guardianship
Our niece from California moved in
with us in June 2008. She wanted to
get away from her mother and
father that couldn't/wouldn't provide
for her emotionally or financially.
(They are divorced). Each of them is
sending $125 per month to us which
doesn't anywhere near cover her
expenses. She turned 18 in Nov. but
is still in High School. She will be
living with us for at least another 2
years while going to Jr. College. Her
mother carries her on her medical
insurance policy but she is getting
ready to cut all contact with her
mother and wants to get off her
insurance. She needs to have
medical insurance and the only way
we can get her on our policy through
my husband's work is for us to be her
legal guardians. Since she is 18, can
she legally make that decision and
what do we have to do to become
her legal guardians? Thanks.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: legal guardianship
Once she turned 18 she became be an adult in the eyes of the law and can make whatever decisions she wants. Perhaps as an adult, she should consider the pros and cons and continue to have enough contact with her mother to stay on mom's insurance while she is in school.