When life throws you a curve ball, Laterra & Hodge, LLC is here to help you. If you are looking to establish or enforce guardianship in , 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: (201) 977-6855
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.
-
SCOTT ADAM LATERRA, ESQ.
Founding Attorney
At Laterra & Hodge, LLC, we recognize the stress and frustration that accompanies family conflict. The sense of betrayal and fear of uncertainty that derives from divorce, separation, and domestic violence can be overwhelming. As a firm whose family lawyers have always practiced exclusively in the area of family law, Laterra & Hodge, LLC is fully prepared to assist you with every aspect of your matter with a time tested approach premised on integrity, diplomacy, empathy, advocacy, and legal knowledge.
We proudly serve families throughout Bergen County, handling all issues in divorce proceedings, as well as issues outside of the divorce arena, including a range of disputes, claims, and agreements.
Only approximately 2% of all attorneys in New Jersey are Certified Matrimonial Trial Attorneys. Less than 100 attorneys in New Jersey are fellows of the highly acclaimed American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Scott Adam Laterra, Esq., a partner with Laterra & Hodge, LLC, is both.
Our Hackensack family law attorneys recognize the importance of remaining credentialed and educated on the latest trends and changes in divorce and family law. The more information we have to offer you, the more you will be able to prepare for your future and do away with the uncertainty that comes with being thrown into the unfamiliar territory of divorce.
-
JEFFREY B. HODGE, ESQ.
Founding Attorney
With over 25 years of combined experience, our attorneys, are not only well-versed in law, but understand the stress and unique challenges that come with facing issues that can permanently change your future. As part of the 2% of Certified Matrimonial Trial Attorneys, as well as the less than 100 New Jersey lawyers who are members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Scott Adam Laterra is well-equipped to guide you through your matters.
Jeffrey is a former judicial law clerk with the Honorable Diane Pincus, Judge of the Superior Court, Family Part, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Since beginning his legal career, Jeff has practiced exclusively in the area of family law, at both the trial court and appellate level, representing clients in diverse matters involving. You can be confident in his ability to handle your case next.
The Client Experience
Hear Directly Form Our Former Clients
-
“He put me at ease and explained the motions of my divorce during times where I felt frustrated. He is compassionate and very easy to talk to. I recommend LaTerra and Hodge to anyone looking for a matrimonial attorney.”
Maria
-
“ I have to say that the legal work and the representation I received from Mr Hodge was second to none. I highly recommend using Jeff, I hired a lawyer and gained a life long friend.”
Joe
-
“From start till the end they were there for me. There were very reasonable in their billing as well. I wish there are more law firms like them. I highly recommend them.”
Salman M
-
“Scott gave me trustworthy advise and comfort during a nerve racking situation. Very professional and reliable from what I've experienced so far.”
Luis