Terms used in this chapter mean:

1. (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. (2) "Conservator," one appointed by the court to be responsible for managing the estate and financial affairs of a minor or protected person;
3. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (8) "Minor," any individual under eighteen years of age;
9. (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. (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.