A conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a judge appoints a conservator to assist an adult who cannot manage their personal care or finances independently. The individual receiving help is called the conservatee. This arrangement is only granted when less restrictive alternatives are insufficient to protect the conservatee’s well-being.
Types Of Conservatorships
- Grants the conservator broad authority over the conservatee’s care and finances.
- Designed for individuals with developmental disabilities, restricting the conservator’s powers to specific areas, such as medical decisions or educational needs.
A conservatorship may address:
- Care and Protection: Conservatorship of the person focuses on managing the conservatee’s daily care.
- Financial Matters: Conservatorship of the estate involves overseeing and protecting the conservatee’s assets and finances.
Limited Conservatorship Powers
In a limited conservatorship, judges evaluate up to seven specific powers, such as medical consent, residence decisions, and education planning, granting only those deemed necessary.
Before Filing for Conservatorship
The court prioritizes the conservatee’s independence. Petitioners must prove that conservatorship is the least restrictive solution and explore alternative options first.
At Lawvex, we explain and help conservators understand their job, and guide you to navigate the complexities of conservatorship and ensure the conservatee’s rights and dignity are respected while at the same time ensuring the process is worry free as we protect you, the conservator, from unnecessary personal liability. Contact us to learn more.