Glossary

If an adult becomes incapacitated and cannot manage their personal and/or financial matters, a conservatorship can be a vital legal arrangement. 

In a conservatorship, the court appoints an individual, also known as the conservator, to take on the responsibility of managing the affairs of the incapacitated adult. 

The conservator can be a family member, friend, or professional conservator with experience managing such matters. 

 The conservator's role is to ensure the well-being of the incapacitated adult by managing their finances, paying their bills, and making decisions about their care. 

The conservator must report to the court regularly and provide updates on the incapacitated adult's affairs. 

A conservatorship can be a challenging role, but it can also be a meaningful experience — ensuring an individual's matters are managed appropriately with their best interests in mind.

Conservatorship and guardianship petitions both involve a continuing legal process that requires the following:

• Filing a petition with the court.
• Providing evidence to support the petition.
• Attending court hearings. 
• Complying with ongoing legal requirements.

Having a conservatorship or guardianship in place offers participating parties the following: 

• Assurance that the individual’s (minor child or incapacitated adult) financial and personal matters are managed appropriately with their best interests in mind.

• Legal protection against exploitation or abuse of the minor child or incapacitated adult.

• A sense of security and support to the individual while offering peace of mind to family members and loved ones.