How is a conservatorship different than a guardianship?
A conservatorship and a guardianship are both types of legal arrangements meant to provide assistance for people who are unable to manage their own affairs, but there are some key differences between them. In Iowa, both guardians and conservators are appointed by a court and must be legally qualified to perform the duties required by the court. A guardianship is typically established for a minor or for an adult who is incapacitated. The guardian oversees the person’s health, education, and personal care and is responsible for decisions about where they live, how they are cared for, and any medical decisions. A guardian is also responsible for their finances, but that responsibility can be assumed by the conservator if one is appointed. A conservatorship is a financial arrangement meant to protect the financial assets of an adult who is incapacitated. The ruling court appoints a conservator to manage the person’s assets, investments, and property. The conservator is also responsible for monitoring the person’s financial records, making sure bills are paid on time, and protecting the person’s finances from abuse or fraud. If a guardian is appointed, the conservator’s role is limited to acting as the financial manager of the person’s assets. In Iowa, a conservatorship may be established on its own if it is determined to be in the best interests of the person. However, sometimes a guardianship and conservatorship are combined to provide both financial and personal oversight for the incapacitated person.
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