Types of Guardianship
In appointing a guardian, the court may grant either a limited guardianship or a full guardianship. The law requires the court to grant a limited guardianship unless a full guardianship is necessary. A limited guardianship authorizes the guardian to make only certain decisions, such as medical decisions. In some cases, however, the court may find that a full guardianship is necessary, and the court may authorize the guardian to make almost all decisions for the incapacitated person.If the incapacitated person needs someone to make important financial or estate planning decisions, the court may appoint a conservator to make these decisions.
Depending on the circumstances, the court may appoint a guardian or a conservator or both. (In this brochure, the term guardian generally refers to both guardians and conservators).
