Relative Caregiver Actions
Legal Support for Family Members Caring for Children
When parents are unable to care for their children, relatives often step in to provide stability and support. At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we help family members in Fernandina Beach and throughout Nassau County secure the legal rights they need to care for a child through a Relative Caregiver Action.
Whether you are a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other extended family member, we provide clear guidance to help you protect the child’s well-being and your ability to make important decisions on their behalf.
What Is a Relative Caregiver Action?
A Relative Caregiver Action is a legal process under Florida law that allows certain relatives to obtain court-recognized rights to care for a child when the parents are unable or unwilling to do so.
This type of action can grant caregivers authority over:
- Medical decisions
- School enrollment and educational matters
- Day-to-day care and supervision
Importantly, it does not terminate parental rights, but it does provide the caregiver with the legal standing needed to care for the child.
Who Can File?
Eligible caregivers may include:
- Grandparents
- Aunts and uncles
- Adult siblings
- Other relatives within a specified degree by law
In most cases, the child must already be living with the relative, and the parents must consent or be unable to provide proper care.
When Is a Relative Caregiver Action Needed?
You may need to pursue legal recognition if:
- You are caring for a child without formal legal authority
- Schools or medical providers require legal documentation
- Parents are absent, incapacitated, or unable to care for the child
- You need stability and structure for the child’s future
Without legal status, caregivers may face unnecessary obstacles when trying to meet a child’s basic needs.
Our Relative Caregiver Services
Filing the Petition
We prepare and file the necessary legal documents to establish your rights as a caregiver.
Establishing Legal Authority
We help ensure you have the ability to make educational, medical, and other important decisions.
Court Representation
If the matter is contested, we advocate on your behalf to protect the child’s best interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Relative Caregiver Action give me custody?
It provides legal authority similar to custody, but parental rights are not terminated.
Do the parents have to agree?
Consent is often required, but there are situations where the court may proceed without it.
How is this different from adoption?
Adoption permanently terminates parental rights, while a caregiver action does not.