Guardianship law is a special form of state legal welfare. It regulates legal assistance and care for adults who are unable to manage their own affairs due to mental illness or a physical, mental or psychological disability and are therefore dependent on the help of a guardian. Guardianship law makes it possible to provide adults in need of assistance with a representative who is authorized to carry out legal acts on their behalf within a precisely defined scope of duties.

This form of state legal assistance is only intended for people who have not already made provisions with a power of attorney for the event of a later need for assistance.

A family member can also be considered as a guardian.

Relatives and those affected can obtain support and advice from the local care office and care associations. The local care office and the care associations also provide support and advice on the topics of health care proxies, care orders and living wills.

People who would like to take on responsibility as a guardian can receive accompanying advice, further training and assistance in carrying out their duties from the local guardianship office and the guardianship associations.