What is the difference between a guardianship and a conservatorship?

A guardianship and a conservatorship are two separate legal documents that are used in disability planning law in Washington. A guardianship grants an individual (known as a guardian) the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of another individual (known as a ward) who is unable to make decisions for themselves due to disability. The guardian is responsible for making decisions related to the ward’s personal care, such as where they will live, how they will be educated, and which medical treatments they will pursue. A conservatorship, on the other hand, grants an individual (known as a conservator) the legal authority to manage another individual’s (known as a protectee) financial affairs and property, such as making investments, paying bills, and handling financial transactions. The conservator is responsible for making decisions related to the protectee’s financial matters and ensuring the proper use of the protectee’s assets. In short, the primary difference between a guardianship and a conservatorship is that a guardianship addresses decision-making related to the ward’s personal care, whereas a conservatorship addresses decision-making related to the protectee’s finances and property.

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What is the difference between a guardianship and a conservatorship?

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