The answer is pretty simple: to protect the "interests" of each child. Probate divides estates or estate proceeds (e,g. what's left). Guardianship protects minor children, so they get a "share"-- otherwise, a momma could play favorites, ya know. Simple way of looking at it. Judy On Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 1:23 PM, Sandra Page <flpage@charter.net> wrote: > I am working through a probate file from 1786 in Washington County where > the > father, David Andrews, died intestate in 1782. In 1785 the mother Mary > [Lusk] Andrews was appointed co-administrator along with James Scott. There > were 8 children. The two oldest boys were over 14 years of age and chose > their own guardians. John Andrews chose James McLaughlin, William chose > John Ireland and the court accepted both men. The court appointed James > Little as guardian for James Andrews, David Stephenson for Esther and David > Andrews, Matthew McConnell for Samuel and Mary Andrews. The 8th child was > a > daughter named Margaret who was either already of age or married and had no > guardian. > > Was this a usual practice? Why would there be 5 different guardians for > one > family? > > Thank you. Sandra Page >