Terms Used In Maryland Code, FAMILY LAW 5-201

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • minor: means an individual under the age of 18 years. See
  • Person: includes an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, corporation, partnership, business trust, statutory trust, limited liability company, firm, association, or other nongovernmental entity. See
This subtitle does not affect any law that relates to the appointment of a third person as guardian of the person of a minor child because:

(1) the child’s parents are unsuitable; or

(2) the child’s interest would be affected adversely if the child remains under the natural guardianship of either of the child’s parents.