What is guardianship law?

Guardianship law in California is a legal mechanism that allows a person to be appointed to make decisions and act on behalf of someone who is unable to do so for themselves, usually because of a disability or impairment. Guardianship applies to both adults and minors, with minors needing a guardian appointed by the court generally due to their parents’ absence or inability to care for them. A guardianship is not permanent; it is only in effect as long as needed and can be terminated or changed at any time. A guardian is responsible for taking care of the ward’s legal, financial, and personal needs, as well as serving their best interests. Guardians may be appointed by the court to make decisions regarding the ward’s health care, education, employment, housing, and other important matters. They may also be responsible for managing the ward’s finances, assets, and investments. The court will only appoint a guardian if it determines that the ward needs one, and if the individual is capable of understanding his or her rights and obligations. After a guardian is appointed, he or she must file annual reports with the court to confirm their ward is in fact being taken care of. When the court determines that the ward no longer needs a guardian or that the guardian is no longer correctly managing the ward’s affairs, the guardianship may be terminated.

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