Karl Peters, Ernennungsurkunde zum Vormund von Karl van Beethoven durch den Wiener Magistrat, Wien, 20. April 1820

On account of a legal ruling Beethoven was sole guardian of his nephew Karl from 1816 to 1818. In March he had resigned due to continued difficulties with Karl's education, and so Mathias Tuscher took over the role. Yet, in July he resigned the post, after which Beethoven once again took over without any official mandate. However, in September 1819 Beethoven was officially rejected as guardian because his deafness legally hindered him from being able to carry out his duties. Johanna van Beethoven now became guardian, upon which the composer lodged an appeal. Following the ruling of 8 April 1820 Beethoven once again became guardian, although he was obliged to have a co-guardian. On Beethoven's suggestion Karl Peters assumed this office.