A request to appoint of a guardian/custodian is filed in cases where an adult (or parents of a minor – see below) lost legal competence or is not able to take care of himself. The application is common amongst family members seeking to be appointed as guardians of an elderly or sick loved one. The application is submitted to the Family Court by the applicant wishing to be appointed as guardian by means of a written request together with the opinion of a doctor (in the event that subject of the petitioner is ill or in a nurse’s care) or together with the opinion of a social worker/welfare officer in cases where a the subject of the application is helpless (a minor, childless / orphan etc.). The application must be submitted along with an affidavit and is subject to payment of a fee.