Superior Court >Self- Service Center >Glossary Guardianship of a Minor A Guardian of a minor is someone other than a parent who is appointed by the judge to make decisions for a child under the age of 18. Generally, the Guardian of a minor has the same authority and responsibility that a parent has to provide food, housing, medical care, education and supervision. Unlike a parent, a Guardian is not required to provide for the child from personal funds, and is not necessarily financially responsible to others for the actions of the ward, just because of the Guardianship.

A Guardian may be appointed for a minor in one of two ways: by will of a deceased parent or by court appointment. Anyone interested in the welfare of a minor may ask the court for appointment to act as Guardian.

If the minor has property, income, or a settlement from an insurance company, the judge may also appoint a Conservator to take responsibility for the finances. Often the Guardian and the Conservator are the same person, although responsibilities and court requirements differ for each type of appointment.

The Guardian's authority and responsibility ends when the minor marries, or turns 18, or the Guardian is removed or resigns, but the judge must approve the Guardian's resignation in an official court order before the Guardianship is officially ended.