Guardianship of Property and Minor Children among the Pskov Merchant Community in the Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries

This article examines the process of establishing guardianship and managing the estates of merchant families in late imperial Russia late 19th to early 20th century, using case materials from the Pskov Municipal Orphans’ Court. The research is predicated upon an analysis of extant judicial acts and reports from guardians, facilitating a detailed reconstruction of the interaction mechanisms between the judicial instance and private individuals involved in the guardianship procedure. Examined are specific instances of guardianship establishment over minor heirs following the demise of their parents, alongside the prevailing practices in appointing guardians and organizing the disposal of inherited property. The study addresses economic challenges and relational difficulties encountered by guardians in interactions with their wards and the wards’ relatives during the guardianship process, as well as factors influencing the level of well-being experienced by underage heirs.