Ministry of Justice, Finland

A guardian can be appointed by a Registry Office or a District Court.

If a person considers his or her own situation so precarious that the support and help of a guardian would be necessary, he or she may have one appointed by filing a written petition with the Registry Office. The petition should indicate why a guardian is necessary and who should be appointed as the guardian. Normally, a medical certificate should be annexed to the petition, indicating that the petitioner is mentally competent to consent to the appointment of a guardian. The Registry Office will hear the petitioner in person before it makes a decision on the petition.

It is also possible to file a written petition for the appointment of a guardian with a District Court. In addition to the person in need of help, such a petition may also be filed by a parent, spouse, child or other similar close person. The petition may also be filed by the Registry Office.

The Registry Office will provide procedural advice and assistance for the obtaining of a guardian. More information is also available on the website of the Registry Office at www.maistraatti.fi.

Suitable, consenting persons with sufficient skill and experience are eligible for appointment as a guardian. In many cases, a child, spouse or other person close to the person in need of help will act as his or her guardian.

It is also often the case that the appointment is given to a Public Guardian, who performs such services as a public employee. The public authorities must ensure that every needy person has access to the services of a Public Guardian close to where they live. The Public Legal Aid Offices are responsible for arranging the public guardianship services.