Guardianships help to manage a person’s financial life through the authority of a legal guardian. This person can make legal decisions on their behalf, including decisions relating to finances and medical care. In most cases, people who benefit from guardianships are disabled or incapacitated adults. For example, an adult with autism may benefit from a guardianship, because it will enable parents to help manage their finances for them.
A guardianship for a minor might be necessary when they do not have a parent who is qualified to make decisions on their behalf, or if they have inherited a large sum of money. When a guardian is put in place, they can make decisions in the best interests of the child. If you are considering becoming the guardian of a child, the following are some things that you should be aware of.
How guardians are selected
A guardian for a minor can be selected in a number of ways. They may be selected by the minor because they are someone with whom they have a good relationship and trust deeply. They may also be chosen by the minor’s parent or close relative. Alternatively, they may be chosen by a state employee. Before a nonparent is enacted as the guardian of a minor, it must be shown that any living parents are unwilling, unable or unfit to be the guardian.
The roles and responsibilities of guardians of minors
The guardian of a minor has the responsibility to look after the physical well-being of the minor. This means making sure that they have a legal residence so that they are able to attend school, apply for public assistance and a guardian maintains the finances of the minor so that they are adequately supported.
If you are interested in becoming a guardian of a minor, make sure that you understand the process involved and the laws that apply to the process.
