What Are The 7 Powers Of Conservatorship?

Introduction

Conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints a responsible person or organization to manage the personal and financial affairs of an adult who is unable to do so themselves. The conservator, also known as the guardian, is granted certain powers by the court to make decisions on behalf of the protected person. In this article, we will discuss the 7 powers of conservatorship that are commonly granted by the court.

Power to Manage Finances

The conservator has the power to manage the protected person’s finances. This includes paying bills, managing investments, and making financial decisions. The conservator must keep detailed records of all financial transactions and report them to the court on a regular basis.

Power to Manage Property

The conservator also has the power to manage the protected person’s property. This includes buying or selling real estate, managing rental properties, and maintaining the property. The conservator must act in the best interests of the protected person and obtain court approval for any major property transactions.

Power to Make Medical Decisions

The conservator may be granted the power to make medical decisions on behalf of the protected person. This includes consenting to medical treatment, making end-of-life decisions, and choosing healthcare providers. The conservator must consider the protected person’s wishes and values when making medical decisions.

Power to Make Personal Decisions

The conservator may also be granted the power to make personal decisions on behalf of the protected person. This includes decisions related to living arrangements, education, and employment. The conservator must act in the best interests of the protected person and consider their wishes and values when making personal decisions.

Power to Restrict Social Interactions

The conservator may be granted the power to restrict the protected person’s social interactions. This includes limiting visits from certain individuals, restricting phone or internet access, and preventing the protected person from attending certain events. The conservator must have a valid reason for restricting social interactions and obtain court approval for any restrictions.

Power to Limit Driving and Travel

The conservator may also be granted the power to limit the protected person’s driving and travel. This includes revoking the protected person’s driver’s license, restricting travel to certain locations, and requiring the protected person to have a companion when traveling. The conservator must have a valid reason for limiting driving and travel and obtain court approval for any restrictions.

Power to Commence Legal Proceedings

The conservator may be granted the power to commence legal proceedings on behalf of the protected person. This includes filing lawsuits, defending lawsuits, and initiating legal actions. The conservator must obtain court approval for any legal proceedings and act in the best interests of the protected person.

Conclusion

In conclusion, conservatorship is a legal arrangement that grants certain powers to a responsible person or organization to manage the personal and financial affairs of an adult who is unable to do so themselves. The 7 powers of conservatorship discussed in this article are the power to manage finances, manage property, make medical decisions, make personal decisions, restrict social interactions, limit driving and travel, and commence legal proceedings. If you are considering becoming a conservator or are in need of a conservator for yourself or a loved one, it is important to understand these powers and how they may affect your situation.