Guardianship Defined

• A guardianship is a legal relationship created by a court to ensure the best interests of a ward. Minor children, senior citizens, disabled persons, or other incapacitated adults are common wards. The guardianship places a duty on the guardian to protect the personal and/or financial interests of the ward. State law defines different kinds of guardianships. Generally, guardianships are limited or general. Each type of guardianship has different responsibilities involving more or less intervention.