Portland, OR family law attorney Matthew Muenzen talks about the legal responsibilities of a guardian. He explains that as a guardian of a child, an individual assumes many of the responsibilities typically held by a parent, particularly in decision-making and physical custody. While not the biological parent, the guardian is required to care for the child, provide for their needs, and make key decisions regarding education, religion, extracurricular activities, and medical care. It is important to note that the child’s parents do not lose their parental rights when a guardian is appointed. However, once someone becomes a guardian, they are legally responsible for raising and caring for the child until the guardianship is terminated or the child reaches the age of 18.