What decisions can a ward still make for herself?
Generally, when someone is appointed guardian for another, that guardian “stands in the shoes” of that person—known as the “ward”—and is given the legal responsibility to make all decisions for her, whether financial, medical or personal. (In some states, this is known as “conservatorship”; in others, “conservatorship” refers only to financial responsibility.) While guardianship takes away the ward’s right to act for herself, the guardian must act in the ward’s interest and take actions that she would if able to do so. This means that the guardian should take direction from the ward to the extent that the ward is able to express herself. Most states allow for “limited” guardianships, where the court determines which specific rights will be transferred from the ward to the guardian. Unfortunately, in practice most courts do not take the time to craft a guardianship to the exact needs of the ward. It’s easier for all the parties but the ward to slap on a complete guardianship. If you are
