A guardian makes decisions for people whom the courts have decided are unfit to take care of themselves.

Often, a court appoints a guardian to make choices for the ward. If a minor's parents die or become unable to fulfill their duties, the child rec eives a guardian, who will function as a surrogate parent. If the child receives an inheritance or a settlement, the guardian may watch over these funds and put them in trust until the youth comes of age. Florida law divides adult guardianships into involuntary and voluntary types. An involuntary guardianship occurs when an adult is deemed too mentally impaired t o make his or her own choices, and family members may petition the court to appo int such an individual to take care of the person. In these cases, the court wil l only choose the involuntary guardianship option if less drastic alternatives s eem unfeasible. Alternatively, mentally competent adults can request a guardians hip if they feel as though they cannot handle their own estates. About the Author: Practicing with Katz & Associates Law Firm, P.L., in Wellington, Florida, Daniel Doorakian represents clients in a number of matters. In addition to offering le gal guidance in business and real estate, he also aids persons in guardianship c ases.