A guardian is a person appointed by the court to manage the affairs of another, called the ward. A guardian has authority to make personal decisions for the ward, such as where the ward will live and under what conditions. A guardian may also manage the finances of the ward if a conservator (someone to manage the wards money and property) has not been appointed by the court.
The court can appoint a guardian only if the court determines that a person is incapacitated and
the services of a guardian are necessary (that is, alternative methods of providing services are not
adequate). A person is incapacitated if his (or her) ability to receive and evaluate information or
communicate decisions is so impaired that the person cannot take care of his or her own physical health
or safety (meaning provide the healthcare, food, shelter, clothing, etc. the person needs to avoid
serious physical injury or illness).
See AS 13.26.116, AS 13.26.005
Almost anyone (except a minor) willing to take on the responsibility can be appointed. The guardian can be a relative or friend, a private professional guardian, or the public guardian.
The guardian cannot be someone who
These restrictions do not necessarily apply to the respondents spouse, adult child, parent, brother or sister if the court determines that potential conflict of interest is insubstantial and the appointment would clearly be in the best interests of the incapacitated person.
See AS 13.26.145
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| Rev. 2 January 2013
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