There are times when a parent is temporarily or permanently unable to care for a child because of illness, substance use, mental health concerns, incarceration, military deployment, or other significant life circumstances. When that happens, a guardianship may provide a child with the stability, care, and legal protection they need while preserving important family relationships.

Whether you are a grandparent, other relative, family friend, or parent involved in a guardianship proceeding, I provide experienced representation tailored to your family’s unique circumstances. Guardianship matters often involve difficult decisions, sensitive family dynamics, and urgent concerns regarding a child’s care. My goal is to help clients understand their legal options while working toward solutions that protect children’s well-being.

Today’s families take many forms, including grandparents raising grandchildren, blended families, same-sex parents, adoptive families, and other caregivers who have assumed important roles in a child’s life. Regardless of your family’s structure, every guardianship case deserves thoughtful guidance, careful preparation, and an approach focused on the child’s best interests.

A guardianship is a legal proceeding in which the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court appoints an individual to care for a child and make important decisions on the child’s behalf when a parent is unable or unavailable to do so.

Depending on the circumstances, a guardian may have authority to make decisions regarding:

Unlike adoption, a guardianship does not necessarily terminate a parent’s legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, parents often retain important rights and may petition the court to terminate the guardianship if they are later able to resume caring for their child.

Guardianship may be appropriate in a variety of circumstances, including when:

Every family’s circumstances are different. Determining whether a guardianship is appropriate requires careful evaluation of both the facts and the applicable law.

The court’s primary focus is protecting the child’s welfare while applying the legal standards governing guardianship proceedings.

Depending on the circumstances, the court may consider:

Every case is decided on its own facts.

No two families are alike. Some guardianships are established with the consent of the parents and focus on providing temporary stability during a difficult period. Others involve contested proceedings requiring the court to evaluate evidence and determine whether the legal requirements for appointing a guardian have been met.

Because guardianship cases can significantly affect both children and parents, careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the applicable legal standards are essential.

A guardianship is not always the appropriate legal solution. Depending on the family’s circumstances, other legal options may better address a child’s needs, including custody actions, caregiver authorizations, or other arrangements recognized under Massachusetts law.

I work with families to evaluate the available options and determine the approach that best protects the child’s interests while meeting the family’s long-term goals.

I represent clients in matters involving:

Guardianship proceedings often arise during periods of uncertainty and significant change for children and families. These cases require not only a thorough understanding of Massachusetts guardianship law, but also thoughtful judgment, careful preparation, and sensitivity to the unique circumstances of each family.

For more than 15 years, I have represented clients throughout Massachusetts in complex Probate and Family Court matters involving children. Whether you are seeking to establish a guardianship, responding to a petition, or seeking to terminate an existing guardianship, I provide practical guidance and strategic advocacy tailored to your family’s circumstances.

My goal is to help clients navigate the legal process with confidence while working toward outcomes that protect children’s well-being and provide families with stability.