The guardian is responsible to the court and must account for all transactions made on behalf of the person. Once appointed, the guardian must file periodic reports with the court. Guardianship laws vary from state to state. In some states, guardianship or conservatorship may go beyond decisions about finances and property to such personal decisions as where the person will live and who will provide any necessary care. Guardians have stolen money or lost it through mismanagement and some have physically abused those they promised to protect.
Guardians misusing their powers include relatives, friends, lawyers, and people hired by the courts.
Critics say judges rarely review a case to see whether guardianship is still appropriate. Even when guardians argue for ending the arrangement, judges are often reluctant to reverse their decisions. But for wards, terminating guardianship can be almost impossible, particularly if their guardian does not agree. In addition, although laws were enacted to provide safeguards to the person who needs help, the conservatorship system is not without flaws. Often people who are put under guardianship could manage on their own with a little outside help.