Guardian, Scope of Powers
"Limited" and "Plenary" are used to describe the extent of a guardian's authority or power. Both categories may be applied to define the authority of a guardian of the person or a guardian of the estate.  The Orphans' Court appointing the guardian determines whether he or she will have limited or plenary authority.

Limited Guardian
Limited guardians are appointed when the Orphans' Court determines that the ward is only partially incapacitated, but is still in need of a guardian. The court specifically outlines the limited guardian's authority, which will only cover matters that the ward cannot handle independently.

Plenary Guardian
A plenary guardian has the general authority to handle all of the ward's affairs and/or property. Plenary guardians are permitted to exercise their authority in any manner that best permits them to fulfill their duties to the ward who is under their care.

See: Guardian, Role and Duties; Guardian, Who May Name; Agents Compared With Guardians