Legal
Guardianship and conservatorship are court arrangements that give someone authority to make decisions for a person a judge finds unable to make them alone. Because they can remove important rights, they are generally a last resort and often avoidable with planning done in advance.
A practical path forward
Ask whether less-restrictive options could meet the need before considering court.
If planning ahead, set up powers of attorney and advance directives while the person can choose.
Talk with an elder-law attorney about the right approach for your situation.
Depending on the state, a court may appoint a guardian (often for personal and health decisions) and/or a conservator (often for financial matters) when it finds a person legally unable to manage those areas. This is a significant step: it can take away a person's right to make many of their own choices, so courts increasingly favor limited arrangements that remove only the specific rights necessary.
Because guardianship is restrictive, it's worth exploring other options first, especially before a crisis:
Planning ahead is the most reliable way to avoid guardianship.
An elder-law attorney can advise on guardianship, alternatives, and the documents that fit your state. You can search the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys directory, and free or low-cost help is often available through legal aid and your Area Agency on Aging — many services are available to people 60 and older. If you suspect abuse or exploitation by a guardian or agent, contact Adult Protective Services, or 911 in an emergency.
Prepare elder-law questions.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Guardianship and conservatorship laws vary widely by state and the process is court-based, so consult a qualified elder-law attorney.