A conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints someone (called a conservator) to manage the personal and/or financial affairs of another person (called the conservatee) who is unable to do so themselves. This usually happens when someone is considered mentally, physically, or emotionally incapable of making important decisions—like an elderly person with dementia or an adult with serious disabilities. Sometimes it can also apply to young adults if they have certain conditions.
A conservatorship can only be established in a court of law, and it is the court that decides what type of decisions a conservator will be able to make. Because it removes a person’s basic rights, conservatorship should be used only when a less restrictive arrangement does not give the person enough protection.
Conservatorship Of The Person
The conservator makes decisions about the conservatee’s daily life — like healthcare, living arrangements, etc.
Conservatorship Of The Estate
The conservator manages the conservatee’s money, property, and bills.
Sometimes both roles are combined.
Limited Conservatorship
In a limited conservatorship, the conservator’s powers are specifically tailored to the conservatee’s needs, allowing them to retain as much independence and decision-making ability as possible.
General (Full) Conservatorship
In a full conservatorship, the conservator has more extensive powers, and the conservatee may have less autonomy in decision-making.
Temporary or Emergency Conservatorship
Used in urgent situations where immediate protection is needed. Duration is short-term (usually a few weeks to months) until a permanent conservatorship hearing is held.
Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Conservatorship
This type of conservatorship is specifically for individuals with serious mental illnesses who may require restricted living environments and/or special care and treatment that they cannot or will not voluntarily accept.
Probate Conservatorship
These conservatorships are overseen by the probate court and can be either general or limited, depending on the individual’s needs and abilities.
