överförmyndaren

Överförmyndaren is a municipal public official in Sweden responsible for the supervision of guardianship arrangements for individuals who cannot manage their own affairs, such as minors and adults with diminished capacity. The office oversees the work of guardians, including guardians acting in personal matters (god man) and guardians handling financial matters (förvaltare). The overarching aim is to protect the rights and interests of those in guardianship and ensure that guardians act in a prudent and lawful manner.

Key responsibilities include receiving and processing applications for guardianship, appointing guardians through decisions by the district court, and supervising the guardians’ work. The överförmyndaren meets reporting requirements by guardians, reviews annual accounts, and can request additional information or take measures if guardians fail to fulfill their duties. The office also maintains registers of active guardians and conducts ongoing oversight to detect abuse, mismanagement, or conflicts of interest. It can propose changes to guardianship arrangements or refer cases back to the court for decision.

The system is grounded in Swedish guardianship legislation, which regulates when a god man or förvaltare is needed, how appointments are made, and how guardianship is supervised. Guardians are expected to act in the best interests of the person under guardianship, ensure their rights are respected, and keep the person informed as far as possible. The överförmyndare collaborates with courts, social services, and other authorities to provide information, guidance, and support to those affected by guardianship.