Legal Issues for Minors in Rocky River, OH

Initially, one might think that someone under 18 wouldn’t have any legal issues (other than juvenile delinquency), since they don’t have the ability to make contracts and their parents are responsible for them.  While that is true, there could be circumstances in a minor’s life that will have a legal impact on him or her.

For example, a minor’s parents may be traveling without the minor.  Provision should be made so that an adult can make decisions in case of a medical emergency.  A Consent to Treat Minor Children form can be prepared and given to the adult should the need arise.  Similarly, a minor may be traveling with an adult who is not the parent.  In this case the adult could be given a different Consent to Treat Minors form.

Perhaps the minor is fortunate to receive money or property as gift from someone either during their life, or because of their death. The default rule is that a guardianship would be established through the probate court.  There is a less restrictive way for the minor to receive property: a gift under the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act.  

If you are the one making the gift either during your life or upon your death we can help you set things up.  If it is your child that is receiving the property we can work with the donor to see if a guardianship can be avoided.