A legal guardian is a person who has been granted the legal right and responsibility to care for the personal and property interests of his ward.  A person acquires the status of a guardian when the ward becomes incapable of caring for his or her own interests due to incapacity or disability.  Courts generally have the power to appoint a guardian for an individual in need of special protection.

A general guardian has the responsibility to manage the personal well-being and the financial interests of the ward.  For example, a general guardian is responsible for the ward’s living arrangements, health care, end-of-life decisions, transportation and other personal needs.

A person appointed as conservator is responsible for attending the ward’s financial interests.  A conservator may be responsible for asset management, bills, paying for living arrangements, health care costs, and transportation expenses.  The conservator is also responsible for determining the extent and availability of insurance and other benefits.