When do I stop being a guardian?
Guardianship ends on the child’s 18th birthday or if the child marries or enters into a registered partnership before then. Guardianship also ends if parental responsibility for the child is given back to one or both parents. If a guardian dies, the court appoints a new guardian.
End of guardianship
Guardianship ends if:
- the child reaches the age of 18;
- the child marries or enters into a registered partnership before reaching the age of 18;
- the court decides that someone else should be the child’s guardian, for example because a guardian has died or stated that they no longer want guardianship of the child.
If a child has two guardians and one dies, the other automatically becomes sole guardian. If both guardians die, the court appoints a new guardian.
Loss of guardianship
Your role as guardian can be taken away from you if:
- A physical or mental impairment makes it impossible for you to continue to be the child’s guardian. In that case you can ask the court to relieve you of your role.
- The court decides to give responsibility back to the parents or to appoint someone else as the child’s guardian.