29A-5-102Definition of terms.

Terms used in this chapter mean:

(1)        "Absentee," any individual who has disappeared, who has been forcibly detained either illegally or by a foreign power, or who is otherwise located in a foreign country and is unable to return;

(2)        "Conservator," one appointed by the court to be responsible for managing the estate and financial affairs of a minor or protected person;

(3)        "Court representative," any individual appointed by the court to make investigations and recommendations as provided in this chapter or as otherwise ordered by the court;

(4)        "Guardian," one appointed by the court to be responsible for the personal affairs of a minor or protected person, but excludes one who is merely a guardian ad litem;

(5)        "Interested person," any individual who is the subject of a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, and any entity, public agency, or other individual with an interest in the proceeding, either generally or as to a particular matter;

(6)        "Limited conservator," one appointed by the court who has only those responsibilities for managing the estate and financial affairs of a minor or protected person as are specified in the order of appointment;

(7)        "Limited guardian," one appointed by the court who has only those responsibilities for the personal affairs of a minor or protected person as are specified in the order of appointment;

(8)        "Minor," any individual under eighteen years of age;

(9)        "Person alleged to need protection," any individual for whom the appointment of a guardian or conservator is being sought other than for reasons of minority;

(10)        "Protected person," any individual for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed other than for reasons of minority.

Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a "guardian" includes a "limited guardian," and any reference to a "conservator" includes a "limited conservator." Any reference to a "conservator" also includes a guardian with authority to manage the estate and financial affairs of a minor or protected person who was appointed prior to July 1, 1993. Any reference to a "person" refers to either an "interested person," a "person alleged to need protection," or a "protected person," as the context requires, and does not refer to a "person" as defined in § 2-14-2(18).

Source: SL 1993, ch 213, § 2; SDCL 30-36-2; SL 1995, ch 167, §§ 176, 181.