2. The Legislature finds and declares that there is an imperative need to create an expeditious manner of establishing a guardianship known as a standby guardianship, in order to enable a parent, custodian, or guardian who cannot currently, or who anticipates being unable to, provide adequate care to a minor child or minor ward, to make plans for the permanent future care or the interim care of a minor child or minor ward without terminating parental or legal rights. The Legislature further finds that current law does not adequately address the needs of parents, custodians, or guardians who are facing separation from their minor children or minor wards because of illness, immigration administrative action, criminal proceedings, military service, or other reasons, and who desire to make plans for the future care of their minor children or minor wards without terminating parental or legal rights.

L.1995, c.76, s.2; amended 2021, c.192, s.2.