It would require guardian companies to provide an annual report to their wards' interested family members. His bill, too, was sent to the Committee on Family and Civil Law. Last month, the Free Press published a three-day series that found guardianships are a growing industry with little state oversight. The series generated hundreds of calls and e-mails, mostly from people who are having problems with their guardian or conservator. A guardian is appointed by a probate court judge to look after people who are unable to manage their affairs.
Guardians make medical decisions and determine where a person lives.
Conservators typically manage a person's money and may sell a person's home and belongings. A patient advocate is someone chosen by the person or family. The state does not license professional guardians or conservators, nor does it require minimal training or background checks. The probate courts are not required to audit the financial reports conservators file. Guardians are not required to visit.