Appointing a Legal Guardian

September 11, 2025

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In cases where a person is unable to manage their affairs themselves, a guardian can be appointed for them.

For whom can guardianship be appointed?

An adult with a disability, or who is legally incompetent, an elderly person, or one hospitalized in a hospital (including a young adult with a disability who is over 18 years of age but is unable to care for themselves, for example, certain cases of cognitive diability, autism, etc.)
A minor whose parents have died, have been declared legally incompetent, or are unable to fulfill their duties as parents.

Who can be a guardian?

A person (one or more), corporation, or the general guardian.
A guardian can be appointed for medical, personal, financial matters, or other matters, or all these combined.
A separate guardian can be appointed for each matter.

Who can submit the application?

How to submit the application?

Print the application form from the website, fill it out and attach the required documents.
Submit the application to the Family Court in the place of residence of the person who needs a guardian.
You can submit to the court yourself or through an attorney.
Application submission is in person or by registered mail. Online – for attorneys only
Application submission involves paying a fee. You can request exemption from the fee if your income is not high.

Please note!
A guardian must submit periodic reports to the Ministry of Justice.

Important to know!

For a guardianship request in case of an urgent medical intervention, a special application must be submitted
In certain cases, alternatives to guardianship that interfere less with the person’s independence and right to decide can be chosen: decision-making support or ongoing power of attorney.
We published a post about ongoing powers of attorney in the past. A post about decision-making support will be published.

For more information:

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