Guardianship refers to the formal appointment by the Arizona Superior Court of either an individual or an entity tasked with the responsibility to oversee the health care and make critical medical decisions on behalf of a minor or an incapacitated adult. This legal mechanism is designed to ensure that those who cannot make such decisions independently are given the necessary care and protection.
Generally, the individual who requires a guardian is an adult who, due to mental or physical conditions, is unable to make or communicate reasonable and informed decisions regarding their own well-being. These conditions may stem from a variety of sources, including chronic illnesses, severe disabilities, or age-related cognitive decline. The appointed guardian steps in to provide essential support and advocacy, ensuring that the individual's healthcare needs are adequately met.
In other cases, guardianship applies to minors—children who are not yet of legal age to make such decisions on their own. This could be due to various circumstances, such as the absence, incapacity, or unavailability of the minor's parents or primary caregivers. The guardian, in these instances, acts in the best interest of the child, making decisions that contribute to their health, safety, and overall well-being.
