A guardian’s role can be multifaceted and will vary on a case by case basis. You could be given guardianship that is has limited or full authority—and Utah law prefers limited. After you are granted guardianship you should notify the respondent’s parents, spouse, or children who were involved in the case, their healthcare providers, and any administrators or managers of facilities where they live. You should also notify governmental agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, and any other insurance agents or possibly banks, stockbrokers or credit card companies (see below on guardianship vs. conservatorship). You should send a copy of your letter of guardianship to each of these people or parties. If you are granted limited guardianship you might need to make decisions regarding:
• Health or professional care
• Counseling, treatment, or service
• Housing, care, and comfort
• Training or education
• Clothing, furniture, vehicles, and personal property
If you need full guardianship, you will have the same responsibility for the protected person as a parent has for their minor children, with the exception that you do not need to use your own money to support them. A guardian is not paid, but can be reimbursed for expenses.