State Act

Portuguese Civil Code, 1867

Article 227 – Grounds for exemption of guardianship and pro-guardianship – The following persons may excuse themselves from guardianship and pro-guardianship: 1. Ministers actually holding their post in the Government; 2. Civil servants appointed by the Government; 3. Military personnel even without Gazetted rank; those who are retired may not however excuse themselves if they are employed in active service; 4. Ecclesiastics who are given care of souls; 5. Those already entrusted with a guardianship; 6. Those with five living legitimate children; 7. Those who are seventy years old; 8. Those suffering from chronic illness, that prevents them from leaving the house and personally attending to their own affairs; 9. Those who are so poor that they cannot take charge of the guardianship or pro-guardianship, without great detriment to themselves.