Definitions

• The dependent person is known as a "ward" in a court of law. Wards are unable to take care of themselves, due to either incapacitation or age; they are placed in the care of another person, known as a guardian. It is common for family members or relatives to act as guardians, but when they are not available, the courts can assign any competent person to act as a legal, or court-appointed, guardian.
  
  

Court-Appointed Guardians for Adults

• A court-appointed guardian is obliged by law to ensure that the ward's well-being is met and satisfied, including the ward's needs, wants and desires. Court-appointed guardians can receive control of the ward's finances or estate, and are often allowed to make all decisions on the ward's behalf. In general, the responsibilities are akin to that of a parent with a small child. However, such responsibilities can vary in scope depending on the needs of the ward. Guardians must send an annual report on the status of the ward to the court.
  
  

Court-Appointed Guardians for Minors

• As with those for adults, any competent person may serve as a court-appointed guardian for a minor. In the case of a minor, the court will appoint a guardian whom it feels is in the best interest of the minor. In any case, the responsibilities of the guardian are much the same as those who care for incapacitated adults. The primary difference is that the guardian must supply funds to the minor.
  
  

Conservators

• Unlike guardians, conservators are only in charge of a ward's property and financial assets. A court may appoint a conservator to a ward with or without a court-appointed guardian; in fact, a court-appointed guardian may request a conservator if the guardian does not wish to be involved with the ward's finances. A conservator must send to the court an annual accounting report.