Are there age restrictions for guardians?

In California, there are age restrictions for guardians. Generally, a person must be at least 18 years old to be appointed a guardian over a minor. This is because legally, a minor cannot enter into a contract or manage their property or finances alone until the age of 18. Additionally, the court may take into consideration the applicant’s suitability for the position based on their age. For example, if the applicant is elderly, they may not have the capacity to care for a minor’s needs. In such a case, the court may take this into account and refuse to appoint them as guardian. The court also takes into consideration the age of the children when appointing a guardian. If the child is younger, the court typically prefers to appoint someone who can provide a stable home environment such as a family member or close friend. However, if the child is older, the court may choose an adult who is not related to the child, so long as they are qualified and suitable to take on the role. Ultimately, it is up to the discretion of the court to decide who is best suited to serve in the role of guardian based on the age of the minors, the age of the applicant, and their suitability for the role.

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