Responsible for court ordered relationships in which the guardian acts on behalf of the ward. Wards are persons who are not able to care for themselves or their property.

Appoints a guardian for individuals who are found to be incompetent to handle their own affairs. A guardian may be appointed for either an incompetent adult or a minor. A guardian may be appointed either as guardian of the person, the estate or both. A guardian may be appointed with a limited power to make restricted or specific decisions. The Court may appoint an emergency guardian for 72 hours. The Probate Court also grants petitions for Conservatorships, a voluntary trust in which one party acts with court supervision on behalf of a competent, but physically infirm adult. Summit County Senior Visitor Program provides visitors for those under guardianship.