What is the legal term for the process of legally assuming responsibility for another person?

Guardiannship is the correct term for the process by which one individual legally assumes responsibility for another person, typically someone who is unable to manage their own affairs due to age, incapacity, or disability. This legal arrangement allows the guardian to make decisions regarding the individual's personal, medical, and financial matters, acting in the best interests of the ward.

In contrast, custodianship generally refers to the physical custody and care of a person, often in a more informal context, without the full legal status that guardianship provides. Conservatorship is a specific legal term related to the management of an individual's financial affairs, often appointed by a court for someone who is unable to handle their finances due to incapacity. Caregiver authority is not a recognized legal term in this context and lacks the formal recognition and legal responsibilities that guardianship entails. Therefore, guardianship captures the full scope of legal responsibility and authority over another person effectively.