The Public Administrator serves as a court appointed personal representative in decedent's estates, and as guardians and/or conservators for individuals who are unable to care for themselves or their property when there is no one else to serve.

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A guardian is a person appointed by the court to manage the affairs of another, called a ward.  The conservator is appointed by the court to manage the estate of another called a protectee.  Often the same person serves as both the guardian and conservator.