Legal Definitions - letters of guardianship

Letters of guardianship refer to a legal document issued by a court that appoints a guardian to take care of the well-being of a person who is unable to take care of themselves. The guardian is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the person they are appointed to care for.

For example, if a child's parents pass away, a court may issue letters of guardianship appointing a relative or family friend as the child's legal guardian. The guardian would then be responsible for making decisions about the child's education, healthcare, and general welfare.

Another example would be if an elderly person becomes incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves, a court may appoint a family member or professional guardian to act on their behalf and make decisions about their care and finances.

Overall, letters of guardianship are an important legal tool to ensure that vulnerable individuals are protected and cared for by responsible guardians.