[Sidenote:  Natural guardians.]

The parents are the natural guardians of their minor children and are equally entitled to the care and custody of them. [Sec.3432.] While a parent is the natural guardian of his child, this guardianship is not absolute, and may be lost by any misconduct on the part of the parent which would render it not best for the child to remain in his care and under his control.  The duty of furnishing support to minor children rests equally upon both parents, but neither one is legally liable for the support of their adult children.  An adult child living at home in the family of the parent, being supported as a member of the family, and performing services in the household, cannot recover payment for such services in the absence of an express contract on the part of the parent to pay for them.  A stepfather stands in the position of a parent to the children of his wife by a former husband, provided, he receives them into his family.  He is entitled to their services and is responsible for their education and maintenance.  The parents can at any time consent to surrender the custody of their minor children and transfer this custody to another by agreement.  Articles of adoption properly executed according to the requirements of the law upon that subject, are necessary to invest another with the rights and responsibilities of a parent.

[Sidenote:  Surviving parent, Guardian appointed.]

Either parent dying before the other, the survivor becomes the guardian.  If there be no parent or guardian qualified and competent to discharge the duty, the district court shall appoint a guardian. [Sec.3488.]

[Sidenote:  Of property.]

If the minor has property not derived from either parent, a guardian must be appointed to manage such property, which may be either parent, if suitable and proper. [Sec.3434.]

[Sidenote:  Minor may choose.]

If the minor be over the age of fourteen years and of sound intellect, he may select his own guardian, subject to the approval of the district court of the county where his parents, or either of them resides; or, if such minor is living separate and apart from his parents, the district court of the county where he resides has jurisdiction. [Sec.3435.]

[Sidenote:  Powers.]

Guardians of the persons of minors have the same power and control over them that parents would have if living. [Sec.3440.]

[Sidenote:  Duties.]

Guardians of the property of minors must prosecute and defend for their wards.  They must also in other respects manage their interests under the direction of the court.  They may thus lease their lands or loan their money during their minority, and may do all other acts which the court may deem for the benefit of the ward. [Sec.3441.] All power of the guardian over the estate of his ward is derived from the appointment of the court, but an appointment as guardian will