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Become a guardian, custodian, or trustee
The guide explains the roles of guardian, custodian, and trustee, as well as how to apply, receive compensation, and report.
Updated:
Step-by-step guide
Please note that all forms and digital applications (e-services) are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.
1. WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT ROLES MEAN?
1.1 Guardian / Trustee (for adults)
A guardian can help a person who, due to health reasons, needs support in managing their legal, financial, and personal affairs – for example, ensuring that bills are paid, arranging housing, and assisting with contacts with authorities.
- Having a guardian is voluntary, and the individual retains their legal capacity. A guardian usually needs the person’s consent for most decisions.
- A trustee is a compulsory solution when the person cannot manage their affairs in any other way. The individual then loses all or part of their legal capacity.
1.2 Custodian (for children under 18)
A custodian is responsible for safeguarding a child’s rights and managing the child’s assets. Usually, this role is filled by the parents, but if the parents mismanage the finances or pass away, another custodian can be appointed.
2. HOW TO BECOME A GUARDIAN, CUSTODIAN, OR TRUSTEE
- Expression of Interest
To become a guardian or trustee, you can register your interest with the Supervisory Board (Överförmyndarnämnden). - Investigation and Decision
The District Court decides whether guardianship, custodianship, or trusteeship should be established and which areas it should cover – safeguarding rights, managing property, and/or providing personal care. - Support and Training
Anyone appointed as a guardian, custodian, or trustee receives both training and guidance along the way.
3. FEES AND COMPENSATION
Fees and compensation for necessary expenses are decided in accordance with Chapter 12, Section 16 of the Swedish Parental Code and regulated by the Supervisory Board’s guidelines.
3.1 Who pays?
- The principal (the person under guardianship) pays if their assets or income exceed certain thresholds (2 price base amounts or 2.65 price base amounts).
- Otherwise, the municipality covers the fee, or part of it.
The fee level is determined by the scope of the assignment and is based on a percentage of the price base amount. Specific legal actions may be remunerated per hour, but travel time is not compensated.
4. REPORTING – ANNUAL AND FINAL ACCOUNTS
- The annual account must be submitted before March 1 each year. You must report assets, income, expenses, debts, and keep supporting documents such as receipts and bank statements.
- A review is carried out in the prescribed order. Incomplete reporting may result in a request for supplementation and later review.
- The Provisum Guardian e-service is used to submit the annual account, record ongoing finances, and apply for consent in special cases such as withdrawals or property sales.
- A final account must be submitted within one month after the last day of the assignment, using the same format as the annual account.
5. THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF GUARDIAN COMMITTEE
Supervisory Board (Överförmyndarnämnden), trustees, and custodians, investigates needs, and can appoint them – especially in cases such as unaccompanied minors or missing persons.
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contact
Chief Guardian Unit
E-mail: ofn@boden.se
Phone: +46 921-628 16