To need a guardian, Sarah would have been under 21. Minors who inherited
property needed a guardian to look after their rights even if their mother
was still living, the presumption being that the mother might remarry,
bringing the children under control of her next husband. The age of consent
for females was 12, meaning that they could choose their own guardian. If
they were under 12, the Court appointed one. The age of consent for males
was 14. So in July of 1740 Sarah was between the ages of 12 and 21.


-----Original Message----- 
From: Al Adams
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 1:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VA-ROOTS] Guardian requirements

Can someone give me an idea of the age requirement for a guardian?

Robert Adams' Will was proved in Goochland County in June 1740.

Then I have this from an unknown source and not the original court documents 
that "Sarah, daughter of Robert, chooses Richard Randolph, Gent, her 
guardian at the July 1740 Court"

Sarah's mother was still alive.  Why would Sarah have needed a guardian? 
Does this mean that she was under age 18 or 16 or some other age?

Thanks
Al Adams

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