Guardianship of a Minor
Any person who is not yet age eighteen (18), or any interested person concerned about their wellbeing, may request the Court appoint a Guardian over that minor. This usually results from the minor acquiring or inheriting property of significant value, the need to resolve a lawsuit or a desire to enter into a binding contract. No examinations are required as Incapacity is due only to the person’s tender years and the Guardian is frequently one or both of the minor’s parents. The appointed Guardian is responsible for the exercise of the Ward’s delegable property rights until the Ward reaches 18 years of age and can legally manage their own finances. NOTE: This form of Guardianship is not used to address concerns about the inadequate parenting, which must be resolved before a Dependency Court, and only rarely is it used to address the absence of an adult caregiver.