California Courts: Self-Help Center: Families & Children: Guardianship (Probate Court): Duties of a Guardian of the Person: Are You Ready to Become a Guardian?: What decisions will I have to make if I'm a guardian?

You decide where the child lives. If you move, you must tell the court in writing right away. If you want to move out of California, you have to get the court's permission.
You decide where the child goes to school, stay involved in the child's education, and help the child get any special services, like tutoring, he or she needs.
You must take care of the child's medical and dental needs, making sure he or she gets proper care. In most cases, you can also make decisions about any medical treatment the child needs.
You must get the child counseling or other mental health services if the child needs it. But you cannot place the child in a mental health institution without a court order unless the child agrees.

Last modified: 01/05/2009