Legal Guardian
A legal guardian is a person who has been legally appointed by a court to assume the responsibility of another person, typically a minor child or an incapacitated adult.
The guardian is entrusted with the well-being and Best Interests of the person under their care, known as a Ward.
The guardian has authority to make decisions related to various aspects of the ward's life, including healthcare, education, finances, and personal matters.
The ward may be a minor child, an elderly or disabled adult, or someone who has a mental or physical disability that impairs their ability to care for themselves.
Important points about a guardians include:
Minors: In the case of minors (persons under the age of Majority), guardians are responsible for providing a safe and nurturing environment, making decisions about education, medical care, and other important aspects of the child's life.
Incapacity: Guardians may also be appointed for adults who are unable to make decisions for themselves due to mental illness, cognitive impairment, disability, or other reasons. This allows the guardian to act in the best interests of the incapacitated person.
Decision-Making Authority: Legal guardians have the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the person under their guardianship. These decisions could relate to medical treatments, living arrangements, financial matters, and more.
Appointment: The process of appointing a legal guardian typically involves a court proceeding. The court evaluates the guardian's qualifications and assesses whether their appointment is in the best interests of the person under guardianship.
Accountability: Legal guardians are accountable to the court for their actions and decisions. They may be required to provide regular reports on the well-being and financial management of the person under their care.
Termination: Legal Guardianship may be terminated by the court if circumstances change or if the guardianship is no longer necessary. For example, guardianship over a minor might end when the minor reaches the age of majority.
Types of Guardians: There are different types of legal guardians, including guardians of the person, who are responsible for the well-being and daily care of the ward, known as Guardians of the Person, and Guardians of the Estate, who are responsible for managing the individual's financial affairs.
The appointment of a legal guardian is a serious matter and is made with the utmost consideration for the best interests of the person under guardianship.
If guardianship considerations are being made, it's best to consult a Guardianship Attorney or Family Law Attorney.
