A probate conservatorship provides a way to manage property and/or provide for the personal care needs of an adult with cognitive impairment or developmental disabilities who is unable to provide for his or her physical needs (safety, food, shelter, and clothing), or manage financial resources.  The discovery of the need for a probate conservatorship is usually made by someone close to the person, such as a family member, physician, neighbor, friend, hospital, or other institutional staff member. The need for a conservatorship is usually determined by observing behavioral changes, such as a decline in mental and/or physical condition affecting the ability to accomplish normal day-to-day activities.

 

A probate conservatorship may be of the person only, the estate only, or the person and estate combined. A probate conservator does not have the authority to place his/her conservatee in a psychiatric treatment facility.

 

A probate conservatorship remains in effect indefinitely, usually until the conservatee can show that he or she is again capable of handling his/her own affairs appropriately, or until a suitable alternative such as a representative payee is found.

 

Prospective probate cases are referred to the Public Guardian Office by Adult Protective Services or the Superior Court.