The Guardianship Institution in Republic of Croatia is regulated by the Family Law, which defines it as form of protection for minors without parental care, adults who are not able to take care of themselves, and persons who are not, for any other reason, able to protect their rights and interests. The aforementioned institute reimburses parental care for juveniles, while protecting adults and protecting them for life and work. According to the Family Law, custody matters are within the remit of the social welfare center, custodian and special guardian. The Social Welfare Center applies custody protection by enforcing custody, adopting decision, appointing special guardians, overseeing the care of custodians, and performing other tasks within its competence. During the provision of protection, the center is obliged to apply methods of expert work that depend on the case. In order to better familiarize the custodial institution with special cases. It is necessary to say something about cases when a special guardian is appointed, the qualifications needed for a person to become a guardian, and his rights and duties. Also, the aim of this paper is to get acquainted with the institute of a special guardian in the German legal system of the family.