» Conservatorship

The process is paperwork-intensive and requires court hearings. An attorney can prepare filings, represent you in court, ensure compliance with reporting, and advise on alternatives like trusts or powers of attorney.

Yes. Conservators must file regular reports and accountings, and the court monitors their actions to ensure they act properly.

A power of attorney is created voluntarily by a competent adult. A conservatorship is court-imposed when a person can no longer make decisions and has not signed estate planning documents beforehand.

It lasts until terminated by the court—often when the conservatee regains capacity, passes away, or when the court decides it is no longer necessary.

No. A conservator only has the powers granted by the court. In limited conservatorships, authority is restricted to specific areas such as education, medical decisions, or contracts.

Depending on the type of conservatorship, duties may include providing food, shelter, and medical care, managing bank accounts and property, filing regular reports with the court, and making decisions in the conservatee’s best interest.

A petition must be filed in the probate court of the county where the proposed conservatee lives. The court schedules a hearing, notifies relatives, and may appoint an investigator to interview the proposed conservatee.

Typically, a spouse, adult child, parent, sibling, or close relative. If no family is available or suitable, a professional conservator or public guardian may be appointed.