Guardianship and Conservatorship

Guardianship and conservatorship are legal relationships between a competent adult and a person who is unable to make his or her own responsible decisions. 

A guardian is responsible for the personal affairs of an individual who is incapacitated, while a conservator is responsible for managing the estate and financial affairs of such an individual.  In both cases, a judge makes the final determination as to whether an individual is in need of a guardian and/or conservator, after a petition is filed with the court.  Frequently, the same person is appointed as both guardian and conservator.