What is the Difference Between Guardianship & Conservatorship?
The words “guardianship” and “conservatorship” can often arise in conversations surrounding elder care, minor children, or individuals with disabilities. These words, while sometimes used interchangeably, are two different concepts under Minnesota law and serve two distinct purposes. Generally speaking, guardians are responsible for personal-needs decisions of an incapacitated individual (referred to under the law as a ‘ward’), while conservators are responsible for the financial decisions of an incapacitated individual (referred to under the law as a ‘protected person’). Guardianships and conservatorships can be limited in scope (emergency, public vs. private, general vs. limited), however specific requirements must be proven
