A conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints an individual or organization as the conservator to make decisions and manage the affairs of an adult who is unable to do so themselves due to physical or mental incapacity.

A guardianship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints an individual or organization as the guardian to make decisions and provide care for a minor child or an adult who is unable to make decisions for themselves due to physical or mental incapacity.

The main difference between conservatorship and guardianship lies in the person for whom the legal arrangement is made. Conservatorship is for adults who are incapacitated, while guardianship is for minors or adults who are incapacitated. Additionally, the decision-making authority of a conservatorship is focused on financial and personal matters, whereas guardianship may involve decision-making in various aspects of the individual’s life, including healthcare and education.

The appointment of a conservator or guardian is done through a legal process. It typically involves filing a petition with the court, providing evidence of the individual’s incapacity, and demonstrating the need for a conservatorship or guardianship. The court then evaluates the evidence and makes a decision on the appointment.

The responsibilities of a conservator or guardian vary depending on the specific circumstances and the court’s orders. Generally, their responsibilities include managing the individual’s finances, making healthcare decisions, arranging for living arrangements, and ensuring the individual’s overall well-being.