Legal Definitions - Professional Guardian

A professional guardian is someone who is paid to take care of another person, known as their ward. They are not related to the ward or their friend, but they are trained professionals who are qualified to provide care and support. Professional guardians can be lawyers, doctors, social workers, nursing homes, or medical facilities.

There are many reasons why a court may appoint a professional guardian. Sometimes, a person who is unable to take care of themselves has no one else who is eligible to be their guardian. In other cases, a professional guardian may be more qualified than a friend or family member.

For example, if an elderly person has no family members who are able to take care of them, a court may appoint a professional guardian to ensure that they receive proper care and support. Another example is if a person with a disability has no one who is able to manage their finances, a professional guardian may be appointed to handle their financial affairs.

These examples illustrate how professional guardians can provide essential care and support to those who need it most, even when there are no family members or friends available to do so.