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Illinois Compiled Statutes

755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (2026)

Duties of personal guardian

✓ current as of May 2026
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(755 ILCS 5/11a-17) (from Ch. 110 1/2, par. 11a-17)
    Sec. 11a-17. Duties of personal guardian.
    (a) To the extent ordered by the court and under the direction of the court, the guardian of the person shall have custody of the ward and the ward's minor and adult dependent children and shall procure for them and shall make provision for their support, care, comfort, health, education and maintenance, and professional services as are appropriate, but the ward's spouse may not be deprived of the custody and education of the ward's minor and adult dependent children, without the consent of the spouse, unless the court finds that the spouse is not a fit and competent person to have that custody and education. The guardian shall assist the ward in the development of maximum self-reliance and independence. The guardian of the person may petition the court for an order directing the guardian of the estate to pay an amount periodically for the provision of the services specified by the court order. If the ward's estate is insufficient to provide for education and the guardian of the ward's person fails to provide education, the court may award the custody of the ward to some other person for the purpose of providing education. If a person makes a settlement upon or provision for the support or education of a ward, the court may make an order for the visitation of the ward by the person making the settlement or provision as the court deems proper. A guardian of the person may not admit a ward to a mental health facility except at the ward's request as provided in Article IV of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code and unless the ward has the capacity to consent to such admission as provided in Article IV of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code.
    (a-3) If a guardian of an estate has not been appointed, the guardian of the person may, without an order of court, open, maintain, and transfer funds to an ABLE account on behalf of the ward and the ward's minor and adult dependent children as specified under Section 16.6 of the State Treasurer Act.
    (a-5) If the ward filed a petition for dissolution of marriage under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act before the ward was adjudicated a person with a disability under this Article, the guardian of the ward's person and estate may maintain that action for dissolution of marriage on behalf of the ward. Upon petition by the guardian of the ward's person or estate, the court may authorize and direct a guardian of the ward's person or estate to file a petition for dissolution of marriage or to file a petition for legal separation or declaration of invalidity of marriage under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act on behalf of the ward if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the relief sought is in the ward's best interests. In making its determination, the court shall consider the standards set forth in subsection (e) of this Section.
    (a-10) Upon petition by the guardian of the ward's person or estate, the court may authorize and direct a guardian of the ward's person or estate to consent, on behalf of the ward, to the ward's marriage pursuant to Part II of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the marriage is in the ward's best interests. In making its determination, the court shall consider the standards set forth in subsection (e) of this Section. Upon presentation of a court order authorizing and directing a guardian of the ward's person and estate to consent to the ward's marriage, the county clerk shall accept the guardian's application, appearance, and signature on behalf of the ward for purposes of issuing a license to marry under Section 203 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
    (b) If the court directs, the guardian of the person shall file with the court at intervals indicated by the court, a report that shall state briefly: (1) the current mental, physical, and social condition of the ward and the ward's minor and adult dependent children; (2) their present living arrangement, and a description and the address of every residence where they lived during the reporting period and the length of stay at each place; (3) a summary of the medical, educational, vocational, and other professional services given to them; (4) a resume of the guardian's visits with and activities on behalf of the ward and the ward's minor and adult dependent children; (5) a recommendation as to the need for continued guardianship; (6) any other information requested by the court or useful in the opinion of the guardian. The Office of the State Guardian shall assist the guardian in filing the report when requested by the guardian. The court may take such action as it deems appropriate pursuant to the report.
    (c) Absent court order pursuant to the Illinois Power of Attorney Act directing a guardian to exercise powers of the principal under an agency that survives disability, the guardian has no power, duty, or liability with respect to any personal or health care matters covered by the agency. This subsection (c) applies to all agencies, whenever and wherever executed.
    (d) A guardian acting as a surrogate decision maker under the Health Care Surrogate Act shall have all the rights of a surrogate under that Act without court order including the right to make medical treatment decisions such as decisions to forgo or withdraw life-sustaining treatment. Any decisions by the guardian to forgo or withdraw life-sustaining treatment that are not authorized under the Health Care Surrogate Act shall require a court order. Nothing in this Section shall prevent an agent acting under a power of attorney for health care from exercising his or her authority under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act without further court order, unless a court has acted under Section 2-10 of the Illinois Power of Attorney Act. If a guardian is also a health care agent for the ward under a valid power of attorney for health care, the guardian acting as agent may execute his or her authority under that act without further court order.
    (e) Decisions made by a guardian on behalf of a ward shall be made in accordance with the following standards for decision making. The guardian shall consider the ward's current preferences to the extent the ward has the ability to participate in decision making when those preferences are known or reasonably ascertainable by the guardian. Decisions by the guardian shall conform to the ward's current preferences: (1) unless the guardian reasonably believes that doing so would result in substantial harm to the ward's welfare or personal or financial interests; and (2) so long as such decisions give substantial weight to what the ward, if competent, would have done or intended under the circumstances, taking into account evidence that includes, but is not limited to, the ward's personal, philosophical, religious and moral beliefs, and ethical values relative to the decision to be made by the guardian. Where possible, the guardian shall determine how the ward would have made a decision based on the ward's previously expressed preferences, and make decisions in accordance with the preferences of the ward. If the ward's wishes are unknown and remain unknown after reasonable efforts to discern them, or if the guardian reasonably believes that a decision made in conformity with the ward's preferences would result in substantial harm to the ward's welfare or personal or financial interests, the decision shall be made on the basis of the ward's best interests as determined by the guardian. In determining the ward's best interests, the guardian shall weigh the reason for and nature of the proposed action, the benefit or necessity of the action, the possible risks and other consequences of the proposed action, and any available alternatives and their risks, consequences and benefits, and shall take into account any other information, including the views of family and friends, that the guardian believes the ward would have considered if able to act for herself or himself.
    (f) Upon petition by any interested person (including the standby or short-term guardian), with such notice to interested persons as the court directs and a finding by the court that it is in the best interests of the person with a disability, the court may terminate or limit the authority of a standby or short-term guardian or may enter such other orders as the court deems necessary to provide for the best interests of the person with a disability. The petition for termination or limitation of the authority of a standby or short-term guardian may, but need not, be combined with a petition to have another guardian appointed for the person with a disability.
    (g)(1) Unless there is a court order to the contrary, the guardian, consistent with the standards set forth in subsection (e) of this Section, shall use reasonable efforts to notify the ward's known adult children, who have requested notification and provided contact information, of the ward's admission to a hospital, hospice, or palliative care program, the ward's death, and the arrangements for the disposition of the ward's remains.
    (2) If a guardian unreasonably prevents an adult child, spouse, adult grandchild, parent, or adult sibling of the ward from visiting the ward, the court, upon a verified petition, may order the guardian to permit visitation between the ward and the adult child, spouse, adult grandchild, parent, or adult sibling. In making its determination, the court shall consider the standards set forth in subsection (e) of this Section. The court shall not allow visitation if the court finds that the ward has capacity to evaluate and communicate decisions regarding visitation and expresses a desire not to have visitation with the petitioner. This subsection (g) does not apply to duly appointed public guardians or the Office of State Guardian.
(Source: P.A. 101-329, eff. 8-9-19; 102-72, eff. 1-1-22; 102-258, eff. 8-6-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

    
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 45 cases (13 in the last 5 years), 1994–2026 · leading case: Karbin v. Karbin, 2012 IL 112815 (Ill. 2012).
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Karbin v. Karbin, 2012 IL 112815 (Ill. 2012). · cites it 6× “” 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(a-5) (West 2008). -10- judiciary’s broad construction.”
In Re Marriage of Burgess, 725 N.E.2d 1266 (Ill. 2000). · cites it 7× “The powers of a guardian of the person are contained in section 11a-17 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1996)), which describes the guardian's authority to make personal decisions on behalf of a ward as follows: "To the extent ordered by the court and under the…”
People v. Delores W., 862 N.E.2d 589 (Ill. App. Ct. 2006). · cites it 6× “See 755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1998). According to section 11a-14(a) of the Probate Act, a limited guardian of the person only has the authority to act and to perform those duties provided under section 11a-17 which are specifically conferred upon the limited guardian by the…”
Kresse v. Union Planters Bank, NA, 742 N.E.2d 874 (Ill. App. Ct. 2001). · cites it 5× “Justice COOK delivered the opinion of the court: In December 1998, Christine Kresse, decedent Bernadine Goffinet's daughter, commenced this action by filing claims against the estate for personal services rendered as guardian of Bernadine's person (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1992))…”
In Re Guardianship of Mabry, 666 N.E.2d 16 (Ill. App. Ct. 1996). · cites it 3× “See 755 ILCS 5/11a-17, 11a-18 (West 1994). The legislature has decided the latter interests merit a separate guardian for their protection, and we believe the courts must give them careful consideration as well in evaluating a proposed settlement.”
In re Est. of McDonald, 2024 IL App (2d) 230195 (Ill. App. Ct. 2024). · cites it 4× “In the same motion, Shawn contended that, (1) pursuant to section 11a-17 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 2016)), a best-interest hearing was required before John, as a ward of the court, could enter into a marriage and, (2) pursuant to section 11a-22 of the Probate…”
In re Est. of McDonald, 2022 IL 126956 (Ill. 2022). · cites it 3× “Instead, after quoting section 11a-17 in its entirety, the majority simply concludes that, “under the Probate Act, a ward who wishes to enter into a marriage may do so only with the consent of his guardian” and “[p]ursuant to - 30 - section 11a-17(a-10) [(755 ILCS 5/11a-17(a-10)…”
In Re Marriage of Burgess, 707 N.E.2d 125 (Ill. App. Ct. 1998). · cites it 6× “ANALYSIS Preliminarily, under the Illinois Probate Act of 1975, there are two types of guardians: guardians of the person (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1996)) and guardians of the estate (755 ILCS 5/11a-18 (West 1996)).”
In Re Kc, 753 N.E.2d 314 (Ill. App. Ct. 2001). · cites it 7× “Representatives of the office of the state guardian have the "same powers and duties as a private guardian" under the Probate Act.”
People v. Kastman, 2022 IL 127681 (Ill. 2022). “See 755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 2018). ¶ 100 G. Director’s Challenges to Other Aspects of the Appellate Court’s Decision ¶ 101 As a final matter, we note that the Director critiques certain portions of the appellate court’s analysis and argues that they were based on improper…”
In Re Ce, 641 N.E.2d 345 (Ill. 1994). “without the need to resort to further judicial review, based upon the broad guardianship powers to make decisions regarding a ward's "support, care, comfort, health, education and maintenance" under the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1992)). On this basis, L.”
Struck v. Cook Cnty. Pub. Guardian, 901 N.E.2d 946 (Ill. App. Ct. 2008). · cites it 2× “2d 15 (2008), quoting 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(e) (West 2000). If the preferences of the ward are unknown and remain unknown after reasonable efforts to discern them, decisions shall be made on the basis of the ward's best interest as determined by the guardian.”
Show all 45 citing cases →
— 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(a) — 18 cases
Karbin v. Karbin, 2012 IL 112815 (Ill. 2012). “” 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(a-5) (West 2008). -10- judiciary’s broad construction.”
In Re Guardianship of Mabry, 666 N.E.2d 16 (Ill. App. Ct. 1996). “See 755 ILCS 5/11a-17, 11a-18 (West 1994). The legislature has decided the latter interests merit a separate guardian for their protection, and we believe the courts must give them careful consideration as well in evaluating a proposed settlement.”
In Re Marriage of Burgess, 725 N.E.2d 1266 (Ill. 2000). “The powers of a guardian of the person are contained in section 11a-17 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1996)), which describes the guardian's authority to make personal decisions on behalf of a ward as follows: "To the extent ordered by the court and under the…”
People v. Delores W., 862 N.E.2d 589 (Ill. App. Ct. 2006). “See 755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1998). According to section 11a-14(a) of the Probate Act, a limited guardian of the person only has the authority to act and to perform those duties provided under section 11a-17 which are specifically conferred upon the limited guardian by the…”
In Re Kc, 753 N.E.2d 314 (Ill. App. Ct. 2001). “Representatives of the office of the state guardian have the "same powers and duties as a private guardian" under the Probate Act.”
— 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(b) — 3 cases
Kresse v. Union Planters Bank, NA, 742 N.E.2d 874 (Ill. App. Ct. 2001). “Justice COOK delivered the opinion of the court: In December 1998, Christine Kresse, decedent Bernadine Goffinet's daughter, commenced this action by filing claims against the estate for personal services rendered as guardian of Bernadine's person (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1992))…”
In re Est. of Goffinet (Ill. App. Ct. 2001).
In re Est. of Michalak (Ill. App. Ct. 2010).
— 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(c) — 8 cases
In re Est. of Beetler, 2017 IL App (3d) 160248 (Ill. App. Ct. 2017).
In re Est. of Beetler, 2017 IL App (3d) 160248 (Ill. App. Ct. 2017).
In Re Marriage of Burgess, 707 N.E.2d 125 (Ill. App. Ct. 1998). “ANALYSIS Preliminarily, under the Illinois Probate Act of 1975, there are two types of guardians: guardians of the person (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1996)) and guardians of the estate (755 ILCS 5/11a-18 (West 1996)).”
In re Est. of Harper, 2022 IL App (1st) 170267-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2022).
In re Est. of Dixon, 2023 IL App (5th) 220515-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2023).
— 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(d) — 2 cases
In Re Marriage of Burgess, 707 N.E.2d 125 (Ill. App. Ct. 1998). “ANALYSIS Preliminarily, under the Illinois Probate Act of 1975, there are two types of guardians: guardians of the person (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1996)) and guardians of the estate (755 ILCS 5/11a-18 (West 1996)).”
In re Marriage of Burgess (Ill. App. Ct. 1998).
— 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(e) — 12 cases
Karbin v. Karbin, 2012 IL 112815 (Ill. 2012). “” 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(a-5) (West 2008). -10- judiciary’s broad construction.”
Struck v. Cook Cnty. Pub. Guardian, 901 N.E.2d 946 (Ill. App. Ct. 2008). “2d 15 (2008), quoting 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(e) (West 2000). If the preferences of the ward are unknown and remain unknown after reasonable efforts to discern them, decisions shall be made on the basis of the ward's best interest as determined by the guardian.”
Warga v. Warga, 2015 IL App (1st) 151182 (Ill. App. Ct. 2016).
In Re Marriage of Burgess, 725 N.E.2d 1266 (Ill. 2000). “The powers of a guardian of the person are contained in section 11a-17 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1996)), which describes the guardian's authority to make personal decisions on behalf of a ward as follows: "To the extent ordered by the court and under the…”
In Re Marriage of Burgess, 707 N.E.2d 125 (Ill. App. Ct. 1998). “ANALYSIS Preliminarily, under the Illinois Probate Act of 1975, there are two types of guardians: guardians of the person (755 ILCS 5/11a-17 (West 1996)) and guardians of the estate (755 ILCS 5/11a-18 (West 1996)).”
— 755 ILCS 5/11a-17(g)(2) — 2 cases
In re Guardianship of Lillian Burdge, 2018 IL App (5th) 170317 (Ill. App. Ct. 2018).
In re Est. of Washington, 2021 IL App (5th) 200354-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2021).
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