Guardian Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Guardian, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Guardian?

(n) Guardian is the person who is legally responsible for caring and otherwise managing the affairs of a minor child or incompetent adult as per the order issued by a competent Court.

History and Meaning of Guardian

The term "guardian" has been a part of legal vocabulary for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to Roman law where a guardian was appointed to look after the legal and financial affairs of a minor child or a person who was unable to manage their own affairs due to physical or mental incapacity.

In modern times, a legal guardian is a person appointed by a court to make decisions on behalf of a minor child or an incompetent adult in matters related to their health, education, welfare, and finance.

Examples of Guardian

  1. A single mother may appoint her sister as the legal guardian of her minor child if anything unfortunate happens to her.
  2. A court may appoint a professional guardian to manage the affairs of an incompetent person who has no relatives or friends to take care of them.
  3. A group of siblings may file a petition with the court to become co-guardians of their elderly parent who is suffering from dementia.

Legal Terms Similar to Guardian

  1. Conservator - A person appointed by a court to manage the financial affairs of an adult who cannot manage their own finances due to physical or mental incapacity.
  2. Trustee - A person appointed to manage the financial affairs of a trust on behalf of the beneficiaries.
  3. Custodian - A person appointed by a court to take care of the property or assets of a minor child until they reach the age of majority.