What is the difference between a guardianship and a conservatorship?

A guardianship and a conservatorship are two distinct types of legal relationships that involve a person who is unable to fully take care of themselves. In North Carolina, guardianships and conservatorships are governed by the state’s Family Law. A guardian is a person or entity appointed by the court to care for a person who is incapable of taking care of themselves. A guardian is responsible for making decisions regarding the ward’s medical care, living arrangements, and financial affairs. The guardian is also responsible for providing the ward with the necessary care and protection. A conservator, on the other hand, is appointed to manage the financial and legal affairs of a person who is unable to do so on their own. The conservator is responsible for investing the ward’s assets, making sure bills are paid, and acting as the guardian’s spokesperson in court. The key difference between a guardian and a conservator is that a guardian is responsible for making decisions regarding the ward’s day-to-day care and well-being, while a conservator is responsible for managing the ward’s financial and legal affairs. In both guardianships and conservatorships, the ward is typically given some degree of control over their own affairs, depending on their mental and physical capacity. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the court-appointed guardian or conservator to ensure that the ward’s best interests are taken into account.

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