( Conservatorship )

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What is a Conservator?

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A conservator is a person appointed by the Probate Court to oversee the financial or personal affairs of an adult. In an involuntary conservatorship, a conservator is appointed only if the court determines that the individual is unable to care for him or herself or unable to manage his or her financial affairs. In a voluntary conservatorship, the court appoints a conservator at the request of an adult who seeks assistance in managing his or her affairs without making finding that the individual is incapable.

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There are two kinds of conservators.

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• A conservator of the person supervises personal affairs and ensures that the person's basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and health care, are met.

 

• A conservator of the estate supervises financial affairs, including caring for the property, managing bank accounts, and ensuring the safe handling of the person's income.

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Often, the Probate Court will appoint a family member of the individual, or his or her close friend, as the conservator. Sometimes the court will appoint someone else, such as a lawyer. The court tries to determine whom the conserved person prefers but, if a conflict exists, may appoint an uninterested party. 

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