The Guardianship and Conservatorship Help Topics are now two separate webpages. Please use the buttons below to access the new pages.
Guardianship
A
guardian is appointed by the court to make the
personal decisions for the protected person (ward). The guardian has authority to make decisions on behalf of the protected person about such things as where to live, medical decisions, training and education, etc.
Wards are minors or incapacitated adults who have a court appointed
guardian, lack sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible personal decisions, and who have an inability to meet personal needs for medical care, nutrition, clothing, shelter, or safety.
If you want to have custody or be the "legal guardian" of a minor child, see Child Custody & Parenting Time for more information, or talk to a lawyer.
For information about protecting the interests of minor children involved in the courts, visit the Guardian ad Litem Program.
Conservatorship
A
conservator is appointed to make
financial decisions for the
protected person (conservatee). The conservator typically has the power to enter into contracts, pay bills, invest assets, and perform other
financial functions for the protected person.
Protected persons are those individuals who have had
conservators appointed for them because they lack similar capacity and have demonstrated an inability to make decisions regarding their financial affairs or estate.
Guardian and Conservator Registry
The Guardian and Conservator Registry, the result of
Minn. Stat. § 524.5-119, is a statewide registration system for court guardians and conservators appointed under sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502.
Guardian and Conservator Registry Information »