Eestkostjale

Eestkostja is a person appointed by a court to represent and protect the interests of someone who cannot manage their own personal or legal affairs due to age, illness, or disability. In Estonia, guardianship arrangements fall under the guardianship and conservatorship framework, and guardians act to safeguard the ward’s rights, welfare, and property, within the limits set by the court. The guardian’s duties may include making routine personal decisions, handling finances, arranging care, and ensuring appropriate medical treatment, while respecting the ward’s preferences whenever possible. Guardianship is subject to judicial supervision and periodic review.

Eestkostjale is the allative form of eestkostja in Estonian grammar, meaning “to the guardian” or “for the guardian.” It is used in legal and everyday language to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an act or document. For example, a sentence might read: Dokumendid tuleb esitada eestkostjale, meaning “The documents must be submitted to the guardian.” As a grammatical form, eestkostjale marks direction or benefit toward the guardian.

Appointment and oversight typically proceed through a petition to the county court (maakohus). A relative, another guardian, or a social welfare authority may initiate the process. The court assesses capacity and, if appropriate, appoints a guardian and outlines their powers and duties. Guardians are usually subject to reporting and can have supervisory measures or limits imposed. The arrangement can be adjusted, renewed, or terminated if the ward’s capacity changes or upon death or withdrawal of guardianship.

In practice, eestkostja is a formal legal role within Estonian law, while eestkostjale is its grammatical form used to indicate “to/for the guardian.”