Jab biological parents available aur caring hote hain, guardianship ka issue simple lagta hai. Lekin death, separation, abandonment, ya serious conflict situations me courts ko decide karna padta hai ki child ka legal guardian kaun hoga.
Core principle hammesha same: best interest of the child. Courts consider:
- Child ki age, emotional bonding,
- Financial stability and character of proposed guardian,
- Existing living arrangements and schooling,
- Health, special needs, and overall environment.
Biological parents generally priority pe hote hain, lekin unke against serious allegations (abuse, addiction, severe neglect) ho to grandparent, relative, ya even state institution ko guardian banaya ja sakta hai. Older children ke views bhi kabhi-kabhi consider kiye jate hain.
Guardianship sirf physical custody nahi; yeh legal authority hai – education, health, property decisions, and official paperwork sab iske under aata hai. Bina proper guardianship orders ke, many institutions child-related requests accept nahi karte.
Families ke liye wise step hai ki agar koi long-term caregiver naturally emerge ho raha hai (jaise grandparents), to formal guardianship pursue kar lein, taaki future me confusion na rahe.