The Guardianship program is for dependent adults over the age of 18 years who are repeatedly or continuously unable to care for themselves and unable to make personal decisions. Guardianship programs for children are administered by Alberta Children’s Services (see Becoming the guardian of a child).

• Guardianship Fact Sheet

Guardians are advocates for dependent adults, acting or speaking on their behalf, and in their best interest. Guardians are expected to provide every opportunity for the dependent adult to contribute to his/her own care and life decisions.

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) assists private individuals in obtaining a guardianship order for an adult who is unable to make independent decisions. As a last resort, a public guardian can be appointed for those dependent adults who do not have family members or any other interested person who might apply to become a private guardian.

Guardianship is a legal process that gives an individual (a guardian) the legal authority and responsibility to make or assist in making decisions about personal matters on behalf of a dependent adult.

You can print our Guardianship publications and fact sheets.

Guardianship Self-Help Kits

If you have decided to apply for guardianship of a person or if you are having your current guardianship reviewed, you will be required to go to Court in Alberta.

You can prepare an application for guardianship yourself by using our free self-help kit, or you can hire a lawyer to prepare an application for you.

Community Involvement Programs

Your local Community Involvement Program can help you complete the Self-Help Kits and any related forms. Contact the nearest Community Involvement Program for more information.

Contact Information