hoiduvus

Hoiduvus is a term used in Estonian to describe the state or condition of safekeeping, custody, or guardianship of a person, property, or other assets. It derives from the verb hoidma “to keep” and denotes the role of a person or institution responsible for maintaining the welfare or protection of the subject under care.

In law, hoiduvus can refer to guardianship of a minor or adult who cannot manage his or her own affairs. A court or other competent authority may appoint a guardian or custodian to act in the best interests of the ward. The guardian is typically authorized to make certain decisions and manage property, with duties including safeguarding assets, providing for needs, and reporting to the court. The arrangement ends when the ward regains capacity, reaches adulthood, or when a new arrangement is established.

Hoiduvus is also used in the context of safekeeping of property or valuables. For example, a bank or a professional custodian can hold assets on behalf of a client under a custodial agreement. In this sense, hoiduvus involves limited powers to manage or dispose of the assets, governed by contract or applicable law, with duties to maintain records and return the assets on demand.

The term is sometimes translated as guardianship, custody, or safekeeping, depending on the context. Related concepts include legal guardianship, trusteeship, and custodianship in civil law, as well as the broader notion of safekeeping in commerce and administration.