Three wooden figures in front of a gavel on a gray background

When a Parent Can't Be There, a Guardian Steps In


Guardianship gives a responsible adult the legal authority to care for a child when the child's parents are unable to do so. It can be temporary or long-term, agreed or contested, and it arises from a wide range of family circumstances: a parent's serious illness, incarceration, military deployment, substance abuse, or death.


At The Fairell Firm, we help Atlanta families establish guardianship arrangements that protect children and give caregivers the legal standing they need to act on their behalf. These cases often involve families under real strain, facing circumstances they didn't anticipate. We approach every guardianship matter with the discretion and care it deserves, and we work to make the legal process as clear as possible so you can stay focused on the child.

an older man outside with his grandson sitting on his shoulders

Types of Guardianship in Georgia


Georgia law recognizes several distinct types of guardianship for minors:

Temporary guardianship. A short-term arrangement, typically under 12 months, used when a parent faces a situation that temporarily prevents them from providing care. In some circumstances, parents can grant this voluntarily through a signed agreement without a full court proceeding, though the requirements vary depending on what authority the guardian needs.

Permanent guardianship. A longer-term arrangement ordered by the court. Unlike adoption, permanent guardianship doesn't sever the legal parent-child relationship. Parents retain certain rights, including the ability to petition the court to restore custody if their circumstances improve substantially.

Testamentary guardianship. A designation made by a parent in a will, naming who should care for a child if the parent dies. This type still requires court confirmation before it takes full legal effect, and contested designations can be challenged.

How Our Atlanta Guardianship Attorneys Can Help


The Fairell Firm handles guardianship matters for families across Metro Atlanta

  • Reviewing your situation to identify the right type of guardianship arrangement 
  • Filing petitions in the appropriate Georgia court
  • Preparing supporting documentation and evidence for the hearing
  • Representing you at hearings, including contested proceedings
  • Advising parents who want to voluntarily grant guardianship to a trusted family member
  • Helping guardians understand their ongoing legal responsibilities once an order is in place
  • Handling modifications when the family's circumstances change

Contact Our Atlanta Guardianship Attorneys


If you're considering guardianship or need to respond to a petition that's been filed, The Fairell Firm is ready to assist. We serve clients throughout Metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas.


Call us at (678) 973-2803 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.