Detailed description
A legal guardianship is appointed by the local court if an adult is permanently unable to manage their own affairs and there is no valid power of attorney.
The guardian is then appointed and supervised by the court.
With a power of attorney, you appoint a trusted person to make decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so yourself.
This person may represent you in the areas that you specify in the power of attorney – for example:
- Health and Care
- Official matters
- Housing or care home matters
- Assets and banking matters
A comprehensive power of attorney can prevent the need for legal guardianship.
A guardianship directive is not a power of attorney.
In it, you specify who should become your legal guardian if legal guardianship becomes necessary. The court still decides on the appointment of a guardian, but takes your wishes into account – for example:
- to the caregiver,
- regarding the scope of tasks,
- on housing arrangements and handling of assets.
An advance healthcare directive is not a power of attorney.
In it, you specify your wishes regarding how decisions should be made in healthcare matters. An authorized representative or legal guardian can implement your advance healthcare directive.
The advice center for legal guardianship and advance directives informs and advises you on legal guardianship, advance directives, living wills and guardianship directives.
You can have your signature on powers of attorney or advance healthcare directives certified.
As a volunteer caregiver or authorized representative, you can participate in training or further education programs.
You can participate in information events or multiplier training courses for institutions and authorities.