When someone else becomes your child’s legal guardian, your role as a parent can change. You may have questions about seeing your child or taking back responsibility for your child’s care in the future.
A guardianship does not automatically terminate your parental rights in Illinois. Instead, the guardian takes over certain responsibilities while the guardianship is in place. If someone has been appointed guardian of your child in 2026, a Wheaton, IL family law attorney can review the court order and explain your rights.
Does Guardianship Terminate a Parent’s Rights in Illinois?
Guardianship and termination of parental rights are different legal actions. A parent can retain parental rights even when another person has been appointed as the child’s guardian.
Under 755 ILCS 5/11-13, a guardian of the person has custody of the child under the court’s direction. This gives the guardian significant authority while the order remains in effect. However, it does not by itself legally end the relationship between the parent and child.