What is a legal guardian?

A legal guardian is a person appointed by a court to assume legal responsibility for someone who cannot care for themselves. In Alaska, a legal guardian is typically appointed for a minor child or a person who has been deemed incapacitated and unable to manage their own financial and/or personal affairs. A legal guardian is responsible for making important decisions regarding the person in their care, such as where they live, what medical care they receive, and how their finances will be managed. Legal guardians are also responsible for ensuring the safety of the person they are caring for and can be held legally accountable for any damage caused to the person in their care. In Alaska, it is possible for a guardian to be appointed over someone’s personal matters, over his or her financial matters, or both. Legal guardians may be appointed by a court or through a voluntary guardianship agreement. A voluntary guardianship agreement is usually used when the person in need of a guardian is able to make their own decisions, but needs assistance from someone else in order to do so. In Alaska, guardianship laws can be complicated. It is important for those looking to become legal guardians to fully understand their responsibilities and the rights of the person in their care in order to ensure that they are providing the best care possible.

Related FAQs

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