Legal Guardianship
When you first look into taking care of someone with a disability in your life, it may be confusing to know what exactly a guardian does.
Learning more about what kinds of capabilities you may have as a legal caretaker can help you make the best choice for both you and your family.
Encouraging independence
Guardians should only make decisions if the ward is not capable. The court typically decides who to choose for a guardianship based on the ward’s opinion or testimony.
Once approved for guardianship, you have an official responsibility to take care of your ward. However, nurturing a sense of independence and stability is also necessary. By encouraging your ward to be as active about his or her life as possible, you can help foster a sense of confidence to make independent choices. As a guardian, you should not be working against your ward’s wishes.
Legal powers
However, there are certain legal aspects that you will have power over. The situations that arise may only require you to use them if your ward cannot. Some could include having sway over large financial decisions, or even health-related decisions. In addition, schooling or other educational priorities could be under your jurisdiction if required.
Ability to update courts
The most important of these responsibilities is submitting regular communications to the courts to show that your ward is doing well mentally, financially, and physically. These may require copies of important legal forms or otherwise detailed information to prove that he or she is in good health and the guardianship can continue as usual.
