The article “Who is a Parent? Not a Simple Question!” explores some of the legal complications faced by individuals and couples who are having children in non-traditional ways. Families can sometimes encounter a related, although somewhat different question: Who is a guardian of this child? This question is important because a child’s guardian is entitled to be involved in making significant decisions about the child and has responsibility for a child’s nurture and care.
For Albertans, Family Justice Services (a division of Alberta Courts) has provided some helpful resources. An online flowchart allows you to answer a series of questions to determine “Am I a Guardian?” Their webpage on Guardianship of children provides more details about the role and powers of a guardian and about guardianship orders made by the courts.
About Marilyn Doyle
