curator personae
kyoo-RAY-tor per-SOH-nay
noun phrase
Literal translation
guardian/curator of the person
Legal meaning
A curator personae is a person appointed by a court to care for and make decisions concerning another person's personal welfare, as distinct from managing that person's property. In South African law, the appointment is typically made where an individual is incapable of managing their own affairs relating to personal care because of mental incapacity or similar disability. The role is functionally distinct from a [curator bonis](/latin/curator-bonis), who administers the person's estate, and may be granted only those powers the court specifically confers.
Examples
- The applicant sought the appointment of a curator personae to attend to the patient's personal care and welfare.
- The court distinguished between a curator personae for personal decisions and a curator bonis for financial administration.