Guardianships focus on personal care, including medical decisions. Conservatorships manage financial affairs. Guardians oversee the protected person’s daily care and healthcare choices. They may provide hands-on care for their ward. 

Conservators handle the protected person’s financial matters, protecting assets while managing bills and expenses.

Both differ in scope but can apply to incapacitated adults or minors.

Colorado courts appoint guardians in emergencies, for incapacitated individuals, or minors without caregivers. Emergency guardians are appointed when there's an immediate threat to an individual who doesn't have someone available to assist them. Incapacitated individuals, which can result from a mental or physical disorder, disease, or addiction, receive guardians until their condition improves or a different arrangement is made. For minors, guardianships typically end when they turn 18.

Guardianships end when the person cared for dies or the court terminates the arrangement.

If the arrangement is not working, the guardian can request termination or replacement through court proceedings.

Moving the person out of state under a guardian's care also requires court approval.

Upon termination, the guardian is released from all their duties. The court then appoints a new guardian or ends the guardianship.