Guardianships

A legal guardian is appointed to protect the interests of an individual and provide food, shelter, clothing, and education. Parents are, by default, guardians of their children unless another is appointed by the court. Often, disabled or otherwise incapacitated children need a legal guardian once they reach age eighteen. This guardian can be a parent or someone else—but it is not automatic. The guardian must file a petition, and it must be approved by a court.