What it is: the individual appointed by the court to make decisions for someone unable to make certain decisions for themselves. A guardian may be a relative, a friend, or (when no family member can serve) a professional.
Two types: guardian of the person (decisions about daily life, health, and care) and guardian of the estate (decisions about money and property).
What’s expected: the guardian must act in the ward’s best interests, file regular reports with the court (especially for the estate), and avoid conflicts of interest.
Watch out for: being a guardian is ongoing court oversight, not a one-time appointment. Annual accountings and the possibility of removal for misconduct are real. Choose someone willing to do the paperwork, not just someone willing to help.