Guardians, Role and Duties
There are two types of guardians recognized in Pennsylvania, each with distinct responsibilities: guardians of the person and guardians of the estate.

Guardian of the Person
The guardian of the person is generally responsible for the care, maintenance, and custody of the ward. Annual reports must be provided to the Orphans' Court, detailing the ward's living arrangements, current health care services, and any major medical or mental problems. Pennsylvania also requires the guardian to report the number of visits he or she had with the ward during the previous year, along with the length of each visit.

Guardian of the Estate
Among this guardian's duties are managing and safeguarding the ward's property. This guardian is also responsible for paying the individual's debts. However, giving the guardian authority over the individual's property does not change its ownership. Unless the court specifies differently, the guardian must also provide an annual report of the ward's finances, including income and expenditures.

See: Guardian, Scope of Powers; Guardian, Who May Name; Agents Compared With Guardians