What is a guardian of a minor?
A guardian of a minor is a person that has the powers and responsibilities of a parent concerning the child's support, care, education, health, and welfare. A minor is a child under 18 years old. Guardians must at all times act in the child's best interests.
What are the guardian's duties?
Guardians' duties include:
- taking custody of the child and provide a place for the child to live
- being personally acquainted with the child and maintaining enough contact with the child to know his or her abilities, limitations, needs, opportunities, and physical and mental health
- taking reasonable care of the child's personal property
- applying any of the money that the minor has available to his or her current needs for support, care, education, and welfare
- saving any excess money the child may have for his or her future needs
Does a guardian control the child's property?
No. A guardian does not have power or control over the child's property. If a child has property that needs to be managed or controlled, the court appoints a conservator.
When does a guardianship of a minor end?
When the minor turns 18.