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Simple English definitions for legal terms
guardianship
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A quick definition of guardianship:
Guardianship is when someone is given the legal responsibility to take care of another person's personal activities or resources because that person cannot do it on their own. This is often used for children when their parents are not available or for adults who have a disability that prevents them from making good decisions. The guardian has to act in the best interests of the person they are taking care of, and if they don't, they can be removed by a court. Different laws apply to guardianship for children and adults, and they vary by state.
A more thorough explanation:
Guardianship is a legal arrangement where one person is given the responsibility to manage the personal activities or resources of another person who cannot do so on their own. This is often used when a child's parents are not available or when an adult has a disability that prevents them from making decisions.
- A child's grandparents may be appointed as guardians if the child's parents are unable to care for them.
- An adult with a developmental disability may have a guardian appointed to help them make decisions about their healthcare and finances.
These examples illustrate how guardianship can be used to ensure that someone who is unable to make decisions on their own is still taken care of and protected.
State laws regulate when and how guardianship is used, and the guardian is required to act in the best interests of their ward. If a guardian acts negligently or in their own self-interest, a court can remove them from their role.