A Ward is the person that is need of a guardian. A guardian can be a guardian of a person or of the estate. A Guardian of the Person has the responsibility of ensuring that the Ward is cared for. This includes the necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as medical care and education (if applicable). A Guardian of the Estate has the responsibility to maintain the Ward’s assets. This includes managing income and expenses, and making sure the Ward’s bills are paid. In the case of children, it can be as simple as maintaining a blocked account on the child’s behalf because children cannot legally own money.

You must file paperwork with the Court and the Court must order the appointment of a Guardian. You must also have medical evidence stating that the Ward is incompetent and is not capable of managing their affairs.

A guardianship of a minor ends when the child turns 18. If it is a guardianship of an estate of a minor, a court order terminating the guardianship is often needed for the Ward to access the funds once they turn 18. A guardianship of an adult ends of the adult manages to regain competency, such as coming out of coma, or when the adult dies.