guardian
n. countablen. someone who is legally responsible for taking care of another person, usually a child. This person makes important decisions for someone who cannot look after themselves.
n. a person who has the legal authority and duty to care for another person or their interests. Often used in a legal context when a child's parents are deceased or unable to provide care.
The child's aunt became his legal guardian.
After the accident, the court appointed a guardian to manage the teenager's inheritance and education.
In the absence of a biological parent, the state must ensure that a court-appointed guardian is vetted thoroughly to protect the minor's physical and financial well-being.
From Middle English gardein, garden, (also wardein, > Modern English warden), from Old French guardein, from the verb guarder, of Germanic origin. Compare French gardien. Doublet of warden. By surface analysis, guard + -ian.
Often used with the adjective 'legal' to specify a court-ordered relationship.