What Are The Duties Of A Guardian Of The Person

The Guardian will be responsible for every aspect of your child’s well-being, just as you are responsible for your child now. He or she will ensure the general safety, protection, and physical and emotional growth of your child. A Guardian of the Person is expected to providing food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical treatments for your child.

Reasons For Choosing A Guardian Of The Person

If you do not name a guardian for minor children in your will, the court will determine who should get custody over your children, usually a relative. Various members of the same family may have very different views on how to raise children and the relative who might be mandated by law to become guardian in the absence of a will may not have the means or proper environment to make a good home for a child. By naming a guardian in your will you can control who will raise your child if you should die.

Duties Of A Guardian Of The Person

A Guardian of the Person is responsible for and may make decisions about the following issues:

• Residence: The guardian may determine where the child lives based on a location that is in the best interest of the child. To move the child out of state, the guardian may need a court's permission, depending on state laws.
• Education: The guardian is responsible for choosing the child’s schools, being active in the child's education, and helping the child set and achieve educational goals.
• Medical care: The guardian is responsible for basic medical, dental, and mental health treatments for the child. In many states, after a child turns 14, the child must agree to certain treatments before receiving them, such as surgery.

A child’s guardian is also responsible for the child’s environment, including the values, religious beliefs, lifestyle, and parenting style that the child is exposed to.

Naming A Guardian Of The Person For Dependent Adults

If you are the parent or guardian of a dependent adult, you will want to name a Guardian of the Person for him or her in your will.

Duties Of A Guardian Of The Person Before A Death Has Occurred

There are no legal responsibilities of a Guardian of the Person before a death has occurred, though it may be a good idea to foster the relationship between the person you're naming as Guardian of the Person and your child.

Related Article: How to Choose a Guardian of the Person