Description:

The Office of the Public Guardian was established by Guam law at 7 GCA § 3112, as amended (P.L. 25-103; 26-64 and 26-112) (hereafter, the Public Guardian Act). The legislative intent of the Public Guardian Act is to establish an Office of the Public Guardian within the Supreme Court of Guam for the purpose of furnishing guardianship services to adults at reduced or no cost where appropriate, and to promote the general welfare by permitting individuals who have a guardian appointed to participate as fully as possible in all decisions that affect the individual. In January 2001, Chief Justice Benjamin J.F. Cruz appointed the first Public Guardian for the Territory of Guam, and the Office of the Public Guardian opened on February 19, 2001.



**Updated as of 11/12/2025**

Services Offered:

Statutory Duties of the Office of the Public Guardian

The Public Guardian Act states the duties of the Public Guardian:
 

• The Public Guardian shall serve as guardian, limited guardian, testamentary guardian or temporary guardian of the person or estate of an incompetent adult when so appointed by the Superior Court of Guam for individuals who have no relatives or friends willing and able to act as guardian.

• The Public Guardian shall assist the Court, as the Court may request or direct, in proceedings for the appointment of a guardian of the person and in supervision of persons, corporations or agencies which have been appointed as guardians of the person 7 GCA § 3112(a)(2). 

• The Public Guardian shall advise and assist persons, corporations, and agencies which are seeking appointment as a guardian for an incompetent person. 7 GCA § 3112(a)(4).

• The Public Guardian shall provide advice, information and guidance to the persons, corporations or agencies who have been appointed as guardian of the person to assist them in discharge of their duties. 7 GCA § 3112(a)(4).

• The Public Guardian may offer guidance and counsel to those persons who request such assistance or to those on whose behalf it is requested for the purpose of encouraging maximum self-reliance and independence of such persons, and avoid the need for appointment of a guardian. 7 GCA § 3112(a)(5).

• The Public Guardian shall develop programs of public education on guardianship and alternatives to guardianship and encourage the development of private guardians able and willing to serve as guardian of the person. 7 GCA § 3112(a)(6).

• First, to serve as guardian of the person or estate of an adult in our community who by reason of age, disease, or disability is unable, unassisted to properly manage and take care of him or herself or his or her property, and for whom no alternate guardian among family and friends can be identified.

• Second, to assist the Superior Court in proceedings for the appointment of a guardian of an adult, and in supervision of persons who have been appointed guardian of an adult.

• Third, to assist, advise and guide persons who are seeking appointment, or who have been appointed as guardian of an adult person.

• Fourth, to offer guidance and counsel encouraging maximum self-reliance and independence of needful persons to avoid the need for appointment of a guardian, where possible.

• Fifth, to develop programs of public education on guardianship and alternatives to guardianship, and support and encourage the development of private guardians.