Types of Guardianships

• Guardianship of the Person– The guardian makes the decisions relating to their ward’s personal life, but cannot make financial decisions.
• Guardianship of the Estate – The guardian controls all the finances but cannot make any personal decisions. Plenary Guardianship, or Guardianship of Person and the Estate – When the two above guardianships are combined.
• Emergency Guardianship (aka, Temporary Guardianship) – When an incompetent person is in dire need of immediate protection; this is temporary and usually lasts no more than 60 days.
• Limited guardianship – The guardian presides over a specific area only, such as bill paying.
• Interim guardianship (aka, Successor Guardianship) – When an appointed guardian is no longer available, the court can appoint someone on an interim basis to fill their shoes.
• Guardian ad litem – When a family lawyer or officer of the court is appointed to represent a mentally or physically incapacitated person during litigation. The guardian ad litem’s authority ends when the litigation is finished. Testamentary Guardianship – When a parent designates a guardian for their minor child, usually by Last Will and Testament.
• Co-Guardianship – When two people share the guardianship responsibilities.