What is a Guardian

A Guardian is a person appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of another individual. A guardian is appointed if the court finds an individual is unable to make certain decisions independently.

In many ways, a Guardian has the same powers and responsibilities as a parent of a minor child. A guardian can make decisions about how an individual spends his money, where an individual lives, what activities an individual participates in, and what medical care he receives. Unlike a parent, a guardian does not have to provide for an individual financially.

The decision to pursue Guardianship is a very serious step because guardianship significantly affects a person's individual rights and freedoms.

Full Guardianship, the most restrictive form of guardianship, should be considered only after other options have been explored and ruled out.

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