What is a court-appointed guardian?

A court-appointed guardian is an individual who is legally responsible for protecting the interests of an individual known as the ward. This is commonly done for minors, but may also be done for certain adults with disabilities or conditions that limit their ability to make decisions for themselves. In South Carolina, guardians are appointed by the court to serve as fiduciary for the ward. As fiduciary, a guardian is responsible for managing the ward’s financial, medical, and other affairs. Depending on the situation, guardians may be appointed on a temporary or permanent basis. In most cases, family members of the ward are preferred when selecting a guardian. However, this isn’t always possible and the court may appoint an unrelated individual to serve as guardian. These individuals must be over the age of 18 and meet the state’s fiduciary requirements. After being appointed, guardians must complete an annual accounting of the ward’s finances and submit it to the court. The court also has the power to review and approve decisions the guardian makes to ensure they are in the best interests of the ward.

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What is a court-appointed guardian?

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