Conservator

Conservator

The Conservator is a person designated by the probate court to oversee the assets of a protected person who, because of age, intellect or health, is incapable of managing his/her own affairs. They have a legal power as well as a legal responsibility to manage the estate of the protected individual. A person subject to a conservatorship is often called the Ward.

The Conservator may act as the Guardian; or the Guardian may be a separate person entirely, and the Conservator will just work with the Guardian. The Conservator has the power to make financial decisions in behalf of the individual; whereas the Guardian has the power to make medical decisions, or decisions which involve the personal care of the minor or incapacitated individual.  One way to remember the difference is the phrase “Guardian of the person.  Conservator of the money.” The probate court typically oversees the conservatorship and reports are filed on a regular basis.

Note: These are general definitions. Any particular term may be defined differently by a particular statute, case law, or the definitions section of the document in question. Consult legal counsel before acting on any information contained in this website.