Vormünder

Vormünder is the plural form of Vormund, a guardian in civil law. A Vormund is a person appointed by a family or district court to represent and safeguard the interests of a ward, usually a minor or an adult who cannot manage their own affairs.

The duties of a Vormund include ensuring the ward’s welfare and development, making decisions about upbringing, education, health, and general living arrangements, and, for wards with assets, managing and protecting their property. The guardian must act in the ward’s best interests and in accordance with legal guidelines. Major acts, such as selling real estate or entering into significant financial commitments, typically require court approval or the guardian’s consent, depending on jurisdiction. The ward retains rights and the guardian is often required to keep records and report to the court.

Appointment and oversight: Vormünder are appointed by a guardian court and are subject to supervision by the court or a supervisory authority. The appointment ends when the ward reaches adulthood or regains capacity; guardians can be replaced or relieved for cause.

In contemporary practice, the term Vormund is most commonly associated with guardians of minors. For adults who cannot manage their affairs, a related framework often uses terms such as Betreuer under the Betreuungsgesetz. The concept of Vormünder remains part of the historical and legal tradition of civil-law guardianship in German-speaking jurisdictions. See also Vormundschaft, Betreuungsrecht.