Think of it as splitting one person's life into two control panels: one handles personal care and daily decisions, and the other handles money and property. In U.S. law, guardianship usually covers decisions about a person's health care, living arrangements, safety, and other personal needs when that person lacks legal capacity. Conservatorship usually covers management of finances, assets, income, debts, and legal claims. State law controls the exact meaning, and some states use the labels differently or use only one term for both roles. A court must appoint the decision-maker, define the scope of authority, and keep the arrangement as limited as possible.

The distinction matters because authority is not automatic. A guardian may have no power to settle a lawsuit or control a bank account unless the court order says so. A conservator may control litigation, insurance proceeds, and estate assets but may have no authority over medical decisions. Many states follow some version of the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act (2017), which emphasizes less restrictive alternatives and court oversight.

In an injury claim, the right person must act for the injured adult. The court may require a guardian, conservator, or guardian ad litem to file suit, approve a settlement, sign releases, or protect funds after recovery. Mistakes about who has authority can delay payment, invalidate agreements, or trigger challenges over capacity and fiduciary duty.