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.

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.

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.

Guardianship is a legal relationship between a competent adult (the "guardian") and a person who because of incapacity is no longer able to take care of his or her own affairs (the "ward"). If you have been appointed guardian, the following are things you need to know: Read the court order.

In the case of a person with special needs, their capacity to receive, evaluate and communicate information about a decision, along with the importance of the decision, should influence whether they require guardianship or conservatorship.