noun phrase · formal
legal guardianship
UK/ˈliːɡəl ˈɡɑːdənʃɪp/US/ˈliːɡəl ˈɡɑrdnʃɪp/LE·gal GAR·di·an·ship
the legal authority given to someone to care for another person, typically a child
Examples
“The aunt applied for legal guardianship after the parents died.”
“Legal guardianship gives the guardian responsibility for the child's welfare.”
“The court can award legal guardianship when parents are unfit.”
Band 8 sentence
“After reviewing the evidence, the judge awarded legal guardianship to the child's aunt.”
Collocations
- apply for legal guardianship
- be granted legal guardianship
Word family
Common mistakes
guardian ship→guardianship / legal guardianship
get a guardian→be granted legal guardianship
Say it for a higher band
5take care of a child legally→6become a guardian→7+legal guardianship
Synonyms
guardianship
Easily confused
custody
“The court considered both custody and legal guardianship before making a decision.”
Related words
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In Family & Relationships
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