Both conservators and guardians are appointed to assist with the financial needs of a minor, disabled, or elderly person. Both have court ordered authority to make decisions for someone who is a minor, elderly, incapacitated, or disabled. But what are the differences between the two?
The main difference between conservatorship and guardianship in many states is what exactly the appointed person is put in charge of. When appointed as conservator, you’re placed in charge of the property of another person. Guardians, however, may also be placed in charge of the person of another person. The conservatorship is more focused on financial decisions of the conservatee while guardianship may be more expansive than that; it may also involve areas of concern ranging from living arrangements to medical care. Guardians can also have control over the financial needs of another person, but the difference is primarily in what other responsibilities the guardian has that the conservator does not.
The definitions can vary by state, however. Some states use the term guardianship exclusively when placed in charge of a minor only. Conservatorship would then only refer to taking care of incapacitated or elderly adults, correspondingly.
For your specific situation, it is best to look up how your state determines which would be correct for your situation. Learn more about conservatorship and guardianship.
The court may require you to purchase a surety bond for either Conservators or Guardians, depending on what your state and the court require, to protect the interest and affairs of the ward or conservatee in accordance with the applicable state law.
So where can you easily purchase a guardianship surety bond?
Colonial offers the direct and digital way to obtain conservator surety bonds or guardianship surety bonds. We are the insurance company — which means no agent, no broker, and no middleman. We make it easy to obtain your court bond instantly. The steps are easy — get a quote online, fill out your information, satisfy underwriting requirements, and enter your payment method. Print or e-file your bond from your office. It’s that simple!