NGA Standards of Practice (SOP) for Guardianship Practice Test 2026 - Free Guardianship Practice Questions and Study Guide

A guardian who is related to the person they are serving is referred to as a family guardian. This term specifically denotes the familial relationship, highlighting the personal connection and often the emotional investment that a family member brings to the role of guardian. Family guardians typically have a vested interest in the well-being of the individual under guardianship, which can influence their decisions and actions.

In contrast, a professional guardian is someone who is trained and compensated to serve in this capacity, often without a personal relationship to the individual. A court-appointed guardian is designated by a court, typically through legal proceedings, without necessarily implying a familial relationship. An individual guardian may refer to any person fulfilling the role of guardian, regardless of their relationship to the individual. Therefore, "family guardian" specifically captures the essence of a guardian who has a personal and often legal relationship with the person they are serving.