Portland, OR family law attorney Matthew Muenzen talks about the legal responsibilities of a guardian. A guardian of a child essentially takes the place of a parent in terms of decision-making and physical custody. The guardian assumes the role of the child’s parent, even though they are not the biological parent. They are responsible for the child’s care and well-being, providing for the child, and making decisions related to education, schooling, religion, extracurricular activities, and medical needs. It is important to note that parents do not lose their parental rights when guardianship is granted to another person. However, once a person becomes a guardian, they are responsible for raising and caring for the child until the guardianship ends or the child reaches 18 years old.