Guardianship & Conservatorship

Guardianship & Conservatorship

The Coulter Law Group offers counsel to individuals and families in need of protecting the interests of an elder, child, or family member.

In general, a guardianship and/or conservatorship allow someone to act for someone else.  A court will appoint a guardian and/or conservator when someone can no longer take care of themselves.  For instance, if a person becomes mentally incapacitated and is no longer able to make sound decisions about his or her own welfare, a guardianship and/or conservatorship may be obtained.

Guardianship (guardian over person).  Like a general power of attorney, a guardianship allows someone else to act as if they were you.  Unlike a power of attorney, however, a guardianship cannot be created voluntarily.  A guardianship is ordered by a court.  A guardianship may be established when someone is unable to take care of themselves or a minor under their control.  Guardianships may be established to take care of adults or children.

Conservatorship (guardian over property).  Conservatorships are similar to guardianships, but they only give a person the power to manage another person’s property and finances.