Conservatorships
A conservatorship is a court proceeding to appoint a manager for the financial affairs or the personal care of an adult who is unable, due to physical or mental disabilities, to handle either or both. Establishing a conservatorship shifts the responsibility for making decisions regarding the personal and financial well-being from the dependent adult to a person appointed as conservator and dramatically decreases the dependent adult’s legal ability to take actions affecting their own finances or personal care.
Generally, a conservatorship should be a “last resort” and used only in those situations when proper planning has failed. Before commencing conservatorship proceedings the family or loved ones should determine whether powers of attorney or other estate planning tools can be used to address the needs or impending needs of the dependent adult.