y his
contracts, although he may be engaged in business as an adult. The fact
that he is engaged in business on his own account will alone be
sufficient evidence to authorize others to conclude that he has attained
his majority and will make all contracts to which he is a party, binding
upon him.

[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 dist