GUARDIANSHIP OVER UNDERAGE IN BELARUSIAN TOWNS IN THE XVI - XVIII CENTURIES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF MOGILEV)
In the XVI - XVIII centuries the institute of guardianship was well developed. This was preconditioned by the great number of orphans who needed guardianship. At that this numbers included not only children who lost both parents, but also those who lost only father. Guardianship over an underage could be established by a parent drawing up their will as well as by institutions of local government. Close men-relatives could become guardians. In case of their absence a mother or a grandmother could become guardians as well. In case an orphan didn't have relatives, the guardian was appointed from among the respected citizens. Relations between a guardian and an orphan were regulated by city and state common legislation norms.