29A-5-102. Definitions.

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.

Any reference to a "guardian" includes a "limited guardian," and any reference to a "conservator" includes a "limited conservator," or 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 an "interested person," a "person alleged to need protection," or a "protected person," but does not refer to a "person" as defined in § 2-14-2.

Source: SL 1993, ch 213, § 2; SDCL 30-36-2; SL 1995, ch 167, §§ 176, 181; SL 2026, ch 19, § 8.