Probate Court may appoint Conservators for people who are unable to take care of themselves and/or their finances.
The Court appoints a Conservator to protect the proposed Conservatee from serious health problems and/or from undue influence in financial matters.
The procedure for establishing a Conservatorship is to file a Petition with the Court to obtain Letters of Conservatorship. Along with the Petition, there are a number of other forms that are filed with the Court. These additional forms outline the reasons for the Conservatorship, information on the proposed Conservator, and a list of close relatives and friends.
After the Petition is filed, the Court appoints a Court investigator, usually a social worker. The Court Investigator meets with the proposed Conservatee and contacts relatives and friends. The Court investigator writes a report with a recommendation as to whether the Court should appoint a Conservator. Usually an attorney is appointed by the Court to represent the Conservatee.
The advantage of a Conservatorship is that there is court supervision which protects the Conservatee from abuse. Sometimes there is no alternative to a Conservatorship if the proposed Conservatee will not accept assistance voluntarily.
