A person appointed by an outside party to manage "the personal affairs of the child, elderly person, or incapacitated individual such as medical needs, nutrition, rent, and transportation." Guardians are usually named in the will(s) of a parent or other current guardian. Some guardians are named or appointed by a court if a close family member or next of kin is unavailable or has not previously been designated in writing. Designating a Guardian you approve of is important because they may be responsibile for making decisions around medical procedures, education, or where to live.