Do I still have guardian responsibilities for my niece after she turns 19?

Full question:

I am the court appointed guardian of my 18 year old niece since the death of her parents. She is turning 19 next month. Will I still have the power and responsibilities of a guardian over her since she is unmarried and does not have parents? What is the law in North Dakota?

• Category: Guardianship
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: North Dakota

Answer:

In North Dakota, a guardian has the powers and responsibilities of a parent until the child reaches adulthood or is otherwise emancipated. According to N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 30.1-27-09, a guardian is responsible for the ward's care but is not required to use their own funds for the ward's support and is not liable for the ward's actions.

However, the authority of a guardian ends when the child turns eighteen, as established by N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 14-09-20. This law states that a parent's authority ceases upon the appointment of a guardian, the marriage of the child, or when the child reaches the age of majority.

Since your niece will turn nineteen next month, she will have reached the age of majority in North Dakota, which means you will no longer have guardian responsibilities or powers over her.