What is a guardianship?

A guardianship is a legal relationship between a person, called the guardian, and a minor or incapacitated adult, called the ward. The guardianship is created when a court of law grants authority to the guardian to make decisions on behalf of the ward. In California, a guardianship may be either temporary or permanent. A temporary guardianship is typically granted when a minor is in immediate danger and needs to be removed from their home. This may happen if their parents are unable to safely care for them due to disability or illness. In such cases, the court may appoint a temporary guardian to provide care for the minor’s physical and emotional needs until their parents are able to resume their care or until another permanent guardian is chosen. Permanent guardianships are usually granted when the court finds that it is in the best interest of the ward to have a guardian for an indefinite period. A permanent guardian may be appointed in cases such as a ward who is a minor and whose parents have died or become permanently unable to care for them. The guardian is granted the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the ward, though the court may restrict the guardian’s authority depending on the particular circumstances. Overall, a guardianship is an important legal relationship that may provide legal protection to a minor or incapacitated adult. It also grants the guardian the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf and make sure their needs are met.

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