Guardianship Overview

A guardianship—also called a conservatorship—allows an adult to make medical or financial decisions for a child or incapacitated adult. In the case of a child, a guardian is someone who cares for a child in the long term without adopting the child.

If an adult has created financial and healthcare powers of attorney that designate a guardian, that person will assume control when needed. If not, a court will appoint a guardian. If court-appointed, the guardian will make regular reports to the court about his or her decisions. This allows family members who feel the guardian is making poor decisions to challenge the appointment in court.