What is a court-appointed guardian?

A court-appointed guardian is an individual appointed by a court to manage the affairs of a minor or an incapacitated person, such as an elderly adult, who can no longer make decisions for themselves. In California, the court appoints a guardian through a legal process referred to as establishing guardianship. A potential guardian may be a relative, a friend, or a professional guardian. Court-appointed guardians in California are responsible for making decisions for the welfare and safety of the person under guardianship. Guardians may be responsible for managing finances, health care, living arrangements, and other issues related to the person in their care. Guardians are also responsible for maintaining accurate and updated records, such as those related to finances, and for submitting reports to the court about the well-being of the person under guardianship. In most cases, court-appointed guardians are legally obligated to act in the best interests of the person they are caring for. When making decisions, guardians must consider the decisions that the person under guardianship would make, if they were capable. California law also requires court-appointed guardians to act responsibly and with integrity, and to keep their own financial interests separate from that of the person they are caring for.

Related FAQs

Can a guardian be removed?
How is a guardianship different from government benefits?
What is a conservatorship?
What happens if a guardian is found to be acting inappropriately?
What is the difference between a guardian and a custodian?
Can a guardianship be used for financial planning?
Can a guardianship be created without going to court?
How do you set up a guardianship?
What are the duties of a guardian?
What is a permanent guardianship?

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