18-A §5-209. Powers and duties of guardian of minor
Title 18-A: PROBATE CODE
Article 5: PROTECTION OF PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY AND THEIR PROPERTY
Part 2: GUARDIANS OF MINORS
§5-209. Powers and duties of guardian of minor
A guardian of a minor has the powers and responsibilities of a parent who has not been deprived of custody of a minor and unemancipated child, except that a guardian is not legally obligated to provide from the guardian's own funds for the ward and is not liable to 3rd persons by reason of the parental relationship for acts of the ward. In particular, and without qualifying the foregoing, a guardian has the following powers and duties. [1993, c. 349, §40 (RPR).]
(a). The guardian must take reasonable care of the ward's personal effects and commence protective proceedings if necessary to protect other property of the ward.
[ 1991, c. 719, §1 (AMD) .]
(b). The guardian may receive money payable for the support of the ward to the ward's parent, guardian or custodian under the terms of any statutory benefit or insurance system, or any private contract, devise, trust, conservatorship or custodianship. The guardian also may receive money or property of the ward paid or delivered by virtue of section 5-103. Any sums so received must be applied to the ward's current needs for support, care and education. The guardian must exercise due care to conserve any excess for the ward's future needs unless a conservator has been appointed for the estate of the ward, in which case excess must be paid over at least annually to the conservator. Sums so received by the guardian may not be used for compensation for the guardian's services except as approved by order of court or as determined by a duly appointed conservator other than the guardian. If there is no conservator, the excess funds must be turned over to the minor when the minor attains majority. A guardian may institute proceedings to compel the performance by any person of a duty to support the ward or to pay sums for the welfare of the ward.
[ 1993, c. 349, §41 (RPR) .]
(c). The guardian is empowered to facilitate the ward's education, social or other activities and to give or withhold consents or approvals related to medical, health or other professional care, counsel, treatment or service for the ward. The guardian is empowered to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment as set forth in section 5-312, subsection (a), paragraph (3). A guardian is not liable by reason of such giving or withholding of consent for injury to the ward resulting from the negligence or acts of 3rd persons unless it would have been illegal for a parent to have so given or withheld consent. A guardian may consent to the marriage or adoption of the ward.
[ 1995, c. 378, Pt. B, §1 (AMD) .]
(d). A guardian must report the condition of the ward and the ward's estate that has been subject to that guardian's possession or control, as ordered by court on petition of any person interested in the minor's welfare or as required by court rule. If the guardian has received any funds pursuant to section 5-103, the guardian shall account to the court and the minor regarding how the funds were expended prior to the termination of that person's responsibilities as guardian.
[ 1993, c. 349, §41 (RPR) .]
SECTION HISTORY
1979, c. 540, §1 (NEW). 1991, c. 641, §§2,3 (AMD). 1991, c. 719, §1 (AMD). 1993, c. 349, §§40,41 (AMD). 1995, c. 378, §B1 (AMD).