If an adult cannot legally manage their affairs in whole or in part due to an illness or disability, the guardianship court will appoint a guardian for them either at their request or ex officio. The guardian acts as the person's legal representative in matters that the person concerned can no longer manage themselves.

The competent guardianship court appoints a natural person who is suitable to manage the affairs of the person concerned in the area of responsibility determined by the court. If the person concerned requests a person to look after them, this request must be complied with, unless the person requested is not suitable to manage the care. One of the tasks of the guardianship authority is to support and advise the guardians appointed by the guardianship court in the provision of care at their request.

In exceptional cases - namely when the person concerned cannot be adequately cared for either by a natural person or by a care association - the care court appoints the care authority itself as caregiver. However, as a rule, the care authority only provides care until a suitable natural person can be found to provide care.