guardianship-terms-and-faq

Annual Report: A status report to the courts describing the protected person's condition, living situation, special activities and how they have been treated.

Conservator: A person or business entity appointed by the court to manage the estate or financial affairs of a protected person.

Guardian: A person appointed by the court to take care of another person. 

Guardianship: A legal relationship, created by the courts, giving a person the authority to take care of an incapacitated person.

Guardian ad Litem: A court appointed lawyer who represents the alleged incapactiated person during legal proceedings.

Incapacitated Person: A person who cannot make or communicate responsible personal decisions because of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness, chronic drug use, intoxication or causes other than being a minor.

Living Will: Legal documents describing the medical care a person wishes to have if unable to make their own decisions.