Middle English

Guardianship

GARD-ee-an-ship
Guardianship is a legal process that appoints a person or entity (guardian) to care for the person (ward) who is deemed incapable of making their own decisions due to a disability or mental incapacity.
The court appointed a guardian for the elderly man who could no longer manage his finances.
In Brown v. Johnson (2022), the court granted guardianship to the adult child, allowing them to make medical decisions on behalf of their incapacitated parent.
← Back to BrowseNext Term →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a guardian?

A close relative, friend, or professional caregiver can be appointed as a guardian, depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the ward's preferences, if possible.

What are the different types of guardianship?

There are different types of guardianship, such as guardianship of the person (responsible for personal care and living arrangements) and guardianship of the estate (responsible for financial management). Some jurisdictions may have combined guardianship options.

How is a guardian appointed?

A guardianship is typically established through a court proceeding initiated by a concerned family member or social services agency. The court will consider the ward's best interests and capacity when making a decision.

See all that Filevine can do with a customized demonstration from our team

Schedule a Demo