Under which circumstance can a guardian be removed from their role?

A guardian can be removed from their role through a petition to the court that demonstrates evidence of mismanagement or abuse. This option is correct because guardians have a legal and ethical obligation to act in the best interests of their wards. Mismanagement or abuse undermines this obligation and can pose significant risks to the ward’s well-being. Courts take allegations of misconduct seriously and have the authority to investigate such claims. If evidence is presented that supports the assertion that a guardian has failed to fulfill their responsibilities or has acted inappropriately, the court can intervene to protect the ward’s interests by removing the guardian.

On the other hand, while a guardian can indeed request to step down voluntarily, this action does not reflect the need for removal due to misconduct or failure to perform their duties. The transition of a ward to adulthood at the age of 18 typically ends the guardianship but does not warrant removal in a misconduct context. Similarly, a lack of communication with the ward might indicate a problem, but it does not automatically provide a basis for removing a guardian unless it leads to negative consequences for the ward that are substantiated in court.