Minnesota Statutes (“M.S.”) Section 524.5-207 identifies the available powers, and required duties, of Minnesota guardians of minors.

Minnesota Guardians of Minors;

Powers and Duties

Minnesota Statutes (“M.S.”) Section 524.5-207 identifies the available powers, and required duties, of any guardian for a minor child.

General Powers of Guardians

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 1 identifies the general nature of the powers that a guardian for a minor may exercise, by providing in part as follows:

A guardian of a minor has the powers and responsibilities of a parent who has not been deprived of custody of the minor and unemancipated child, except that a guardian is not legally obligated to provide from the guardian’s own funds for the person subject to guardianship.

Minnesota Guardians of Minors – Court Limitations of Powers

While the above provision grants to a guardian for a minor child the same broad powers as a parent, M.S. Section 524.5-206(b) identifies that the court may temporarily limit, or expand, such powers in order to promote the independence of the ward, by providing as follows:

In the interest of developing self-reliance of a person subject to guardianship or for other good cause, the court, at the time of appointment or later, on its own motion or on motion of the minor person subject to guardianship or other interested person,
may limit the powers of a guardian otherwise granted by this article and
thereby create a limited guardianship.
Following the same procedure, additional powers may be granted or existing powers may be withdrawn.

Parental Limitations of Powers

In addition, M.S. Section 524.5-202(a) identifies that a parent can limit the powers to be granted to a guardian for a minor child appointed by a parent, by providing in part as follows:

The appointment may specify the desired limitations on the powers to be given to the guardian.

Minnesota Guardians of Minors – Specific Duties and Powers of Guardians

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2 identifies:

specific powers that a guardian for a minor child may exercise, and

certain duties that are required of a guardian for a minor child.

1. Personal and Other Property

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(a) identifies specific duties that Minnesota Guardians of Minors (the “ward“) must satisfy with respect to the ward’s personal property, by providing in part as follows:

The guardian must
take reasonable care of the personal effects of the person subject to guardianship and
commence protective proceedings if necessary to protect other property of the person subject to guardianship.

2. Funds Receivable

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(b) identifies specific powers that Minnesota Guardians of Minors may exercise with respect to funds payable to or for the benefit of the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

The guardian may receive money payable for the support of the person subject to guardianship to the parent, guardian, or custodian of the person subject to guardianship under the terms of any statutory benefit or insurance system, or any private contract, devise, trust, conservatorship, or custodianship and also may receive money or property of the person subject to guardianship paid or delivered by virtue of section 524.5-104.

3. Limitations on Funds Collectible by a Guardian

M.S. Section 524.5-104 identifies limitations on the power of the guardian to receive certain property on behalf of a minor, by providing in part as follows:

524.5-104 Facility of transfer.
(a) A person who may transfer money or personal property to a minor may do so, as to an amount or value not exceeding the amount allowable as a tax exclusion gift under section 2503(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or a different amount that is approved by the court, by transferring it to: . . . (2) a guardian of the minor; . . .
(d) A guardian or other person who receives money or property for a minor under paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2), may only apply it to the support, care, education, health, and welfare of the minor, and may not derive a personal financial benefit except for reimbursement for necessary expenses. Any excess must be preserved for the future support, care, education, health, and welfare of the minor and any balance must be transferred to the minor upon emancipation or attaining majority.

4. Limited Role of a Guardian

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has identified the limited role of Minnesota Guardians of Minors in managing a ward’s property:

A guardian has only limited ancillary power to care for the personal effects of a person subject to guardianship, and handle certain monies to provide for the continued health, safety, and welfare of the person subject to guardianship.

In re the GUARDIANSHIP and/or Conservatorship of Millicent S. FICKEN, No. A07-1848. Sept. 16, 2008. (Minn.Ct.App.) (unpublished), citing Minn.Stat. 524.5-207 (2006).

5. Broad Role of a Guardian

In contrast, the Minnesota Court of Appeals has identified the expansive role of a conservator in managing a minor’s property:

A conservator, on the other hand, has broad power to manage almost every aspect of a protected person’s property, including his or her real property, debts, and investments.

In re the GUARDIANSHIP and/or Conservatorship of Millicent S. FICKEN, No. A07-1848. Sept. 16, 2008. (Minn.Ct.App.) (unpublished), citing Minn.Stat. 524.5-417 to 524.5-418 (2006).

6. Funds Received

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(b) also identifies specific duties that a guardian for a minor child must satisfy with respect to funds payable to the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows: Any sums received must be applied to the current needs of the the person subject to guardianship for support, care, and education.

The guardian must exercise due care to conserve any excess for the ward’s future needs unless
a conservator has been appointed for the estate of the ward,
in which case the excess must be paid at least annually to the conservator.
Money received by the guardian under this paragraph must not be used for compensation for the guardian’s services except
as approved by court order or
as determined by a duly appointed conservator other than the guardian.

7. Legal Action for Support

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(b) identifies that Minnesota Guardians of Minors may commence legal action in order to obtain funds otherwise payable to the ward, by providing in part as follows:

A guardian may institute proceedings to compel the performance by any person of a duty to support the person subject to guardianship or to pay sums for the welfare of the person subject to guardianship.

8. Application for Governmental Benefits

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(e) identifies that Minnesota Guardians of Minors may make application for government benefits on behalf of the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

If there is no acting conservator of the estate for the person subject to guardianship, the guardian has the power to apply on behalf of the person subject to guardianship for any assistance, services, or benefits available to the person subject to guardianship through any unit of government.

9. Education and Medical Care

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(c) identifies specific powers that Minnesota Guardians of Minors may exercise with respect to the education or medical care of the the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

The guardian is empowered to facilitate the education, social, or other activities of the person subject to guardianship, and to authorize medical or other professional care, treatment, or advice.

10. Limitations on Medical Care

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(c) identifies certain limitations on the powers that Minnesota Guardians of Minors may exercise with respect to the medical care of the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

A person subject to guardianship who is less than 16 years of age
may be admitted to a treatment facility as an informal patient according to section 253B.04
but may not be committed to any state institution except pursuant to chapter 253B.
No guardian may give consent for psychosurgery, electroshock, sterilization, or experimental treatment of any kind unless
the procedure is first approved by the order of the court,
after a hearing as prescribed by section 524.5-313, paragraph (c), clause (4).

M.S. Section 524.5-209(c) identifies additional limitations on the powers that Minnesota Guardians of Minors may exercise with respect to the medical care of the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

A guardian of a minor person subject to guardianship may not initiate the commitment of the person subject to guardianship to an institution except in accordance with section 524.5-207.

11. Liability Limitations of the Guardian

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(c) identifies certain liability limitations applied to a guardian for a minor child with respect to the medical care of the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

A guardian is not liable by reason of consent for injury to the person subject to guardianship resulting from the negligence or acts of third persons
unless it would have been illegal for a parent to have consented, or
unless the guardian fails to comply with the requirements of this section which provide that a court order is necessary for commitment and for certain types of medical procedures.

M.S. Section 524.5-209(b) identifies additional liability limitations applicable to a guardian for a minor child with respect to the medical care of the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

A guardian of a minor person subject to guardianship is not liable to a third person for acts of the person subject to guardianship solely by reason of the relationship. A guardian of a minor person subject to guardianship is not liable for injury to the person subject to guardianship resulting from the negligence or act of a third person providing medical or other care, treatment, or service for the person subject to guardianship except to the extent that a parent would be liable under the circumstances.

12. Consent to Marriage or Adoption

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(c) identifies that Minnesota Guardians of Minors may consent to the marriage or adoption of the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

A guardian may consent to the marriage or adoption of the person subject to guardianship.

13. Reporting Duties

M.S. Section 524.5-207, Subd. 2(d) identifies certain duties that Minnesota Guardians of Minors have to report to the Court regarding the physical and economic well being of the person subject to guardianship, by providing in part as follows:

A guardian must report the condition of the person subject to guardianship and of the estate of the person subject to guardianship which has been subject to the guardian’s possession or control,
as ordered by the court on its own motion or
on petition of any interested person and as required by court rule.

Minnesota Guardians of Minors – Petition for Powers of Guardians

The forms which are customarily used to petition for Letters of Guardianship and subsequent Confirmation of Appointment typically require a recitation of the powers to be granted to the guardian – often in the following manner:

The following powers are needed for a Guardian to protect and supervise the person subject to guardianship:
All of the rights and powers on behalf of the person subject to guardianship under Minn. Stat. § 524.5-207.
or
The powers and responsibilities of a parent who has not been deprived of custody of the minor and unemancipated child, except that a Guardian is not legally obligated to provide from the Guardian’s own funds for the person subject to guardianship; Minn. Stat. § 524.5-207 subd. 1;
Take reasonable care of the clothing, furniture, vehicles and other personal effects of the person subject to guardianship; Stat. § 524.5-207 subd. 2(a);
To receive money payable to, and applied for the benefit of, the current support, care and education needs of the person subject to guardianship; Stat. § 524.5-207 subd. 2(b).
Give any necessary consent to enable, or to withhold consent for, the person subject to guardianship to receive necessary medical or other professional care, counsel, treatment, and to facilitate the education, social, or other activities of the person subject to guardianship; Stat. § 524.5-207 subd. 2(c);
Report the condition of the person subject to guardianship and the estate of the person subject to guardianship upon the Court’s own motion or on petition of an interested person and by court order; Stat. § 524.5-207 subd. 2(d);
Apply on behalf of the person subject to guardianship for any assistance, services, or benefits available to the person subject to guardianship through any unit of government (only given if no conservator is appointed with this power); Stat. § 524.5-207 subd. 2(e);
and all other powers, duties, and responsibilities conferred on the Guardian under applicable law.

Minnesota Guardians of Minors – Letters of Authority for Guardians

M.S. Section 524.5-110 identifies the nature of letters of authority issued by a court to Minnesota Guardians of Minors – known as Letters of Guardianship – by providing in part as follows:

The court shall issue appropriate letters of guardianship upon the guardian’s filing of an acceptance of office. Letters of guardianship must indicate whether the guardian was appointed by the court, a parent, or the spouse. Any limitation on the powers of a guardian . . . must be endorsed on the guardian’s . . . letters.

Compensation of Guardian

M.S. Section 524.5-209(a), Subd. 1 identifies that Minnesota Guardians of Minors may be entitled to compensation for services rendered, and reimbursement of expenditures made, by providing in part as follows:

A guardian of a minor the person subject to guardianship is entitled to
reasonable compensation for services as guardian and to
reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of the person subject to guardianship,
in a manner consistent with section 524.5-502.

M.S. Section 524.5-502(c) identifies the circumstances under which Minnesota Guardians of Minors may be awarded compensation for services rendered, and reimbursement of expenditures made, by providing as follows:

M.S. 524.5-502 When the court determines that a guardian or conservator
has rendered necessary services or
has incurred necessary expenses
for the benefit of the ward or protected person, the court may order reimbursement or compensation to be paid from
the estate of the protected person or
from the county having jurisdiction over the guardianship or protective proceeding if the person subject to guardianship or the person subject to conservatorship is indigent.

M.S. Section 524.5-502(b) provides additional guidance regarding when Minnesota Guardians of Minors may not be awarded compensation for services rendered, and reimbursement of expenditures made on behalf of a minor:

If, however, the court determines that a petitioner, guardian, or conservator has not acted in good faith, the court shall order some or all of the fees or costs incurred in the proceedings to be borne by the petitioner, guardian, or conservator not acting in good faith.

Minnesota Court of Appeals – 2010

In 2010, the Minnesota Court of Appeals cited with approval the following method used by the district court in that case to review the propriety of compensation claimed by a guardian of an adult senior citizen:

. . . the district court’s task here is similar to ruling on attorney fees in estate matters. In that setting, the probate statutes set forth the basic rule that fees must be “just and reasonable” and establish a five-factor guide: (1) the time and labor required; (2) the experience and knowledge of the attorney; (3) the complexity and novelty of problems involved; (4) the extent of the responsibilities assumed and the results obtained; and (5) the sufficiency of assets properly available to pay for the services.
In re Guardianship of Doyle, 778 N.W.2d 342, Minn.App.,2010, citing Minn.Stat. 525.515(b) (2008).

Such a method will likely be used by a district court in reviewing the propriety of compensation claimed by a guardian of a minor, as well.

Conclusion – Minnesota Guardians of Minors

Minnesota Guardians of Minors can either be appointed by the Court, or be appointed by parents – subject to court confirmation. The powers to be granted to any Minnesota guardian can vary considerably, and the court documents required in order to obtain the appointment of a person as a guardian for a minor can be challenging. If you require assistance with respect to any Minnesota guardianship issues, please contact attorney Gary C. Dahle, at 763-780-8390, or [email protected].

No claim to the text of statutory provisions, or judicial decisions.

Gary C. Dahle – Attorney at Law

2704 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View, MN 55112

Licensed in Minnesota and North Dakota

Phone: 763-780-8390 Fax: 763-780-1735

[email protected]

Legal Disclaimer

Information provided herein is only for general informational and educational purposes. The laws relating to Minnesota guardianships involve many complex legal issues. If you have a specific legal problem about which you are seeking advice, consult with legal counsel. Gary C. Dahle, Attorney at Law, is licensed to practice law only in the State of Minnesota, and in the State of North Dakota, in the United States of America. Therefore, only those persons interested in matters governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota should consult with, or provide information to, Gary C. Dahle, Attorney at Law, or take note of information provided herein.

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Minnesota Guardianship and Conservatorship Links

Minnesota Conservatorships for Adults – https://dahlelaw.com/minnesota-conservatorships-adults/ Minnesota Guardianship and Conservatorship Statutes – Minors: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=524.5-101 Minnesota Guardianship and Conservatorship Statutes – Adults: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=524.5-601 Pacer Center: http://www.pacer.org/ National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: https://alzfdn.org/

Minnesota Guardians and Conservators

Minnesota Guardians of Minors