I work an professional legal guardian (Berufsbetreuer). Legal guardians or curators (Betreuer) are legal representatives of full age persons who due to mental diseases or physical, mental or psychological handicaps are incapable to manage their  own affairs. For those people a guardian (Betreuer) can be appointed according to § 1896 BGB (German Civil Code).

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The court determines the areas of responsibility that I have to take care of. Very often these are estate affairs and medical treatment. Sometimes, as an adult guardian, I also have to determine the residence of the ward. It is always necessary to discuss all important matters with those in care.  The ward does not loose any rights by the guardienship itself. But his legal capacity can be lost as a result of a court order (§ 1903 BGB) or due to health limitations that result in incapacity (Geschäftsunfähigkeit). 

 

Every professional guardian has to report annually to the guardianship court (Betreuungsgericht). 

 

My ethnological training and my experience in field research in other cultures characterize my understandung of this service. For over ten years I researched social structures and meanings in Tibet. This has in particular shaped my understanding and recognition of others, also often not the "norm" of the majority society of corresponding life plans. I have learned to question values ​​and social rules and to understand and appreciate the inner logic of social groups. I see my job as a legal guardian in understanding the background of  my clients through observation and questioning and then support them in regulating their affairs in a way that suits their interests and their life experience.