What Is a Guardian and What Is a Conservator?

A Guardian is a person who is given Probate Court authority to be responsible for the personal and physical well-being of an adult who is called a Legally Incapacitated Individual (LII). The Guardian has the same powers and duties over that LII as parents have over their children. A prospective Guardian may be nominated by petition (filed with the Probate Court) or may be named in a will. A Conservator is a person who is given Probate Court authority to be responsible for the assets (called an "estate") of an adult, who is called a Protected Individual (PI). A Conservator may be nominated by a petition filed with the Probate Court.

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1. What Is a Guardian and What Is a Conservator?
2. When Is a Conservator Needed?
3. Who May Petition the Court for the Appointment of a Conservator?
4. What Happens After the Petition for Guardianship and/or Conservatorship Is Filed?
5. What Are the Duties of the Conservator?
6. When May a Guardianship or Conservatorship Be Terminated?