Guardianship
- Guardianship Home
- Guardianship Guide
- How to Use this Guide
- Get the Facts
- What is a Guardian
- Full or Limited Guardianship
- Alternatives to Full Guardianship
- How to Research Alternatives
- What Have Others Learned
- When is Full Guardianship Appropriate
- What Can an Individual Expect
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Points
- More Help and Information
- What Else Can You Do
- About this guide
- Survey
- Questions & Answers
- Guardianship Tutorial
Additional Resources
What is a Guardian
A Guardian is a person appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of another individual. A guardian is appointed if the court finds an individual is unable to make certain decisions independently.
In many ways, a Guardian has the same powers and responsibilities as a parent of a minor child. A guardian can make decisions about how an individual spends his money, where an individual lives, what activities an individual participates in, and what medical care he receives. Unlike a parent, a guardian does not have to provide for an individual financially.
The decision to pursue Guardianship is a very serious step because guardianship significantly affects a person's individual rights and freedoms.
Full Guardianship, the most restrictive form of guardianship, should be considered only after other options have been explored and ruled out.
