Portland, OR family law attorney Matthew Muenzen talks about guardianship. He points out that a guardianship is established through the probate court when an individual who is not a parent petitions to be appointed as the legal guardian of a child, who is considered a protected person under the statute. The process requires that the child’s parents be given notice. While guardianships are typically pursued with the parents’ consent, the court can also proceed without it. If the parents object, the matter proceeds to a contested hearing where the court evaluates the petition and determines whether appointing the guardian serves the child’s best interests.