Normally, a guardian is appointed to take care of the property and financial affairs of the client. A guardian may also be appointed for the performance of an individual task, such as the sale of real estate on behalf of the client.

The guardian is normally charged with the administration of the property of the client. The guardian must administer the property of the client so that the capital and the proceeds can be used to the benefit of the client and for the satisfaction of his or her personal needs.

Among other things, the guardian must ensure that the client has access to enough of his or her own money to cover personal expenditures. Normally, the guardian is not empowered to sell assets that are especially valuable to the client or that the client needs while subject to guardianship or thereafter.

The guardian must seek a close rapport with the client. Before the guardian decides on a matter that is important to the client, he or she should inquire the opinion of the client, if possible in view of the client’s condition.

The guardian must also see to it that the client receives suitable treatment, care and rehabilitation. If necessary, the guardian must be in contact with e.g. the municipal medical and health care authorities.

A guardian taking care of the property of the client must keep books of the assets and liabilities of the client as well as of the events of the accounting period (accounts). In the beginning of the task, the guardian must supply the Registry Office with a list of the assets and liabilities of the client (inventory). The guardian must submit regular, normally annual, accounts to the Registry Office (account statement).

If the client has receivables, e.g. a pension, the guardian must notify the payor of the bank account into which to pay the amounts. In addition, the guardian must notify the bank of who is entitled to make withdrawals from that account.

The guardian must obtain the permission of the Registry Office before entering into important transactions on the behalf of the client. A permission is needed e.g. for the selling or buying of real estate or a residence, the pledging of property as collateral for a debt, and for the taking out of some other loan than a state-guaranteed student loan.

The guardian is not empowered to donate the property of the client. In addition, the guardian cannot represent the client in a transaction where the guardian himself or herself or a person close to the guardian is a party. An alternate guardian is required for such transactions.