CONSERVATORSHIP

What Is a Conservatorship?

When a person becomes unable to care for themselves due to a major illness or injury, it may be time to set up a conservatorship. A conservatorship is a type of court order that protects the afflicted person while giving you the legal authority and responsibility to act as the custodian of his or her physical care and/or their assets and finances.

A conservatorship is similar to guardianship of a minor but is typically reserved for adults who are severely incapacitated in some fashion, such as from a coma or advanced Alzheimer’s disease. When the court receives a petition for a conservatorship, a judge will review the case and decide whether the afflicted person should be designated as a “conservatee.”

Who Can Be a Conservator? Anyone can petition for conservatorship of an incapacitated person, though often this is a family member, friend, or someone who has a close personal relationship with the conservatee. The responsibilities of a conservator vary by case and jurisdiction.

In some cases the conservator may only be responsible for managing the conservatee’s financial affairs and is called a “conservator of the estate.” In other cases this person also may be responsible for overseeing a conservatee’s daily activities and is called a “conservator of the person.”

Becoming a conservator is a permanent commitment, one that will not end until the court relieves you of your legal obligations.

The Document People Can Help You Petition for a Conservatorship. Petitioning the court for a conservatorship can be a complicated, multi-step process that includes a court appearance, investigation, and may involve probate. We simplify this process by ensuring that all the necessary paperwork you need is properly filled out and filed with the court so you can focus on what matters.

This service is provided for a flat fee. For pricing and to learn more, please contact us.