legal guardian

This term carries a heavy legal weight and is distinct from a general caregiver or a mentor. It implies a formal, court-mandated authority that grants the individual the power to make binding decisions regarding the ward's healthcare, education, and finances. In a social context, using this term instead of "parent" or "relative" emphasizes the official status of the relationship rather than the emotional bond.

Because this is a compound noun referring to a specific legal role, it is used in formal documentation, court proceedings, and administrative contexts. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless the specific legal status of the person is the primary subject of the discussion.