Guardianship

Guardianship

Authority over underage children not exercised by the parents but by someone else. A guardian (one or two persons aged 18 year or older, or an institution) is appointed by a judge specialising in juvenile law. The guardian is responsible for the care and education of the child, is its legal representative and is responsible for its finances. Guardianship lasts until the child reached the age of 18 years.

A guardian is appointed if:

• both parents are dead;

• the parents are incompetent (e.g. an underage mother);

• parental authority has been withdrawn;

• the child is an unaccompanied foreign minor.