How does a guardianship protect the ward?

A guardianship is a legal arrangement that can occur when a person (referred to as the “ward”) is unable to manage their own affairs due to their age, incapacity, or disability. Guardianship gives the guardian (the person appointed to manage the ward’s affairs) decision-making powers that are legally recognized. In Alaska, a guardian can be appointed for an individual under the age of 18 or an adult who does not have the capacity to make decisions that are in their best interest. When a guardianship is established, the guardian is responsible for protecting the ward’s best interests. This includes making decisions related to the ward’s health, safety, and care. The guardian is expected to act in the ward’s best interest and will be held accountable to the court for how they exercise their guardianship powers. This accountability can be enforced with periodic court hearings where the guardian must show that the ward’s best interests are being served. Guardians also have the important responsibility of ensuring that the ward’s assets are protected from potential abuse. This includes keeping records of all income received on the ward’s behalf and all expenses and transactions. The guardian must also provide the court with a yearly accounting of the ward’s assets. By protecting the ward’s best interests and their financial security, a guardianship can be a vital tool for safeguarding the ward and their assets. It is important to remember, however, that the guardian is not expected to be a mind reader; they must always make decisions based on the best interests of the ward, not their own.

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How does a guardianship protect the ward?

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