Here are answers to common questions about guardianships and conservatorships, such as how long it takes to get a guardianship, and the difference between full and limited guardianships.

The rights that are affected by the guardian's appointment vary from state to state. Personal rights that may be removed, but cannot be delegated to another, include the right to: Marry. Vote. Have a driver's license. Travel. Seek or retain employment. Own or possess firearms or weapons.

Is a suspicion of the interested party’s bad intent sufficient, or should the guardian have some evidence of wrongdoing? If the person does not want to have contact with a loved one, or seeks limited contact, such as phone calls but not in-person visits, the guardian should respect their wishes.

A guardian does not have complete power to make all decisions for the protected person. There are many things that a guardian cannot do without first getting the court’s permission, especially when it comes to the protected person’s finances.

If you are related to a protected adult or a protected minor who has a guardian and the guardian is denying you contact or unreasonably restricting your contact with the person, you can use the following forms to request a court order allowing you visitation and/or contact.