Shanghai court appoints grandfather as guardian of US-born children

In an expedited legal proceeding, the Shanghai Xuhui District People's Court appointed an 81-year-old grandfather as the legal guardian of his two American-born granddaughters, ensuring their continued residency in China following the untimely death of their mother.

The case involved two girls, born in 2015 and 2017 in the United States, who have lived in Shanghai with their mother and grandfather, both surnamed Wang, since infancy.

Their mother died from cancer in September 2024, just two months after her diagnosis, leaving the children without a legal guardian. The biological father was unknown, as the mother never disclosed his identity, and his name was absent from the girls' birth certificates.

With the children's US passports nearing expiration and the risk of deportation looming, the grandfather sought legal guardianship through the court. The court responded swiftly, utilizing a green channel process designed to expedite cases involving minors.

A third-party family investigation revealed that the grandfather is of sound mind and possesses the financial stability necessary to support the girls. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted the strong emotional bond and trust between the children and their grandfather, who has been a consistent presence in their lives.

Considering the best interests of the children and prioritizing their emotional and psychological well-being, the court appointed the grandfather as their legal guardian during a hearing earlier this month.

"The court's decision was guided by the principle of ensuring the most favorable outcome for the minors, balancing legal obligations with compassionate considerations," said Sun Xuemei, vice-president of the court and the presiding judge of the case.