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Guardianship records document the legal responsibility for managing the care, finances, or property of a minor or an individual unable to manage their own affairs. These records often appear within probate courts and may contain valuable genealogical information about family relationships and inheritance.
| Term | Definition |
| Accounting | Financial report submitted by guardian detailing expenditures. |
| Administrator | Person appointed to manage estate when no will exists. |
| Affidavit | Sworn written statement used as evidence in court proceedings. |
| Appointment | Legal designation of guardian by court authority. |
| Bond | Financial guarantee ensuring guardian performs duties properly. |
| Conservator | Person appointed to manage financial affairs of another individual. |
| Court Order | Official directive issued by judge. |
| Custody | Legal responsibility for care of minor. |
| Dependent | Individual relying on another for care or support. |
| Estate | Property or assets belonging to individual under guardianship. |
| Fiduciary | Person legally responsible for managing another’s assets. |
| Guardian | Person legally responsible for care or property of another. |
| Guardian ad Litem | Court-appointed guardian representing minor’s interests in specific case. |
| Guardianship | Legal relationship granting authority over another person or estate. |
| Guardianship Bond | Security posted by guardian guaranteeing faithful service. |
| Guardianship Petition | Formal request filed with court seeking appointment of guardian. |
| Heir | Person entitled to inherit property. |
| Incapacitated Person | Individual unable to manage personal or financial affairs. |
| Inventory | Listing of property belonging to ward’s estate. |
| Letters of Guardianship | Official document granting guardian authority. |
| Minor | Person under legal age of adulthood. |
| Petition | Written request submitted to court for legal action. |
| Probate Court | Court overseeing estates, wills, and guardianships. |
| Property Management | Oversight of assets belonging to ward. |
| Surety | Individual guaranteeing guardian’s bond. |
| Trustee | Person managing property for benefit of another. |
| Ward | Person placed under guardianship. |
| Ward Estate | Assets belonging to individual under guardianship. |
| Wardship | Legal condition of being under guardianship. |
| Settlement | Final accounting submitted to court when guardianship ends. |
| Court Clerk | Official responsible for maintaining court records. |
| Legal Guardian | Individual legally appointed to manage care or property of ward. |
| Guardian’s Account | Financial statement detailing income and expenditures. |
| Annual Return | Yearly report filed by guardian. |
| Court Supervision | Judicial oversight of guardian’s actions. |
| Guardianship File | Collection of court documents related to guardianship case. |
| Petition for Appointment | Request asking court to appoint guardian. |
| Legal Disability | Status preventing person from managing own affairs. |
| Probate Docket | Court listing of probate and guardianship cases. |
| Termination | Legal ending of guardianship authority. |
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