You can now also apply for a substitute in the Guardianship e-service

The Guardianship e-service maintained by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency has new features that will streamline the duties of a guardian and an attorney. Now it’s possible to apply in the e-service for the appointment of a substitute guardian, the appointment of a guardian to the duties of an attorney, and the appointment of a guardian to replace a minor’s guardian in a child maintenance matter.

Applications previously submitted using a paper or PDF form have now been digitalised.

“When the application is filled in and submitted while identified in the service, the service fills in the general data from the Register of Guardianship Affairs and the Population Information System. It will guide you in filling in the application and in attaching the necessary documents,” says Jani Saarela, Chief Specialist at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

We hope that as many applications as possible will be submitted via the e-service, as this will speed up their processing,” Saarela adds.

In what situations should a substitute be appointed for a private guardian?

A substitute may be appointed for a private guardian if, for example, they are disqualified from taking care of a matter on behalf of the client. A guardian also needs a substitute if they cannot perform their duties due to such impediments as illness or a long absence. A private person or a public guardian may be appointed for the task.

When can an attorney not represent the granter?

The attorney may also be temporarily prevented from performing their duties due to disqualification or some other reason. In these situations, they may apply for the appointment of a guardian to the duties of an attorney if no replacement attorney has been appointed in the continuing power of attorney, for whom the continuing power of attorney could be confirmed. A private person or a public guardian may be appointed as the guardian.

When is it not permitted for a guardian to represent a minor in a maintenance matter?

In maintenance matters, a minor is represented by their guardian. A guardian who is the parent of a minor cannot represent a minor in a maintenance matter if the child lives with someone other than their parents.

In this case, the child needs an appointed guardian who acts as a substitute for the parent guardian in a maintenance matter. The guardian may be a private person or a public guardian.

The Guardianship e-service is the Digital and Population Data Services Agency's digital service for private guardians and persons with a continuing power of attorney. In the service, it has previously been possible to submit a statement related to the property and apply for permits electronically. The service is being steadfastly developed, and now it is also possible to apply for the appointment of a substitute guardian, the appointment of a guardian to the duties of an attorney and the appointment of a guardian to replace a minor’s legal guardian in a child maintenance matter.