Elder Law Attorney in Halifax County, Virginia

A guardian is an individual appointed by a Circuit Court, who has authority to manage the daily affairs and make medical decisions for an incapacitated person.

A conservator is an individual appointed by a Circuit Court, who has authority to manage property and make financial decisions for an incapacitated person.

If you have a loved one that has become incapacitated, such that they can't manage their own affairs and finances, someone must be able to make those decisions on their behalf.  If they appointed an attorney-in-fact prior to becoming incapacitated, (a document known as a durable power of attorney) then you likely will not need to seek a guardianship or conservatorship.  If not, you will need to petition the Court to become appointed as guardian and conservator before you can have authority to make those decisions on their behalf.