Conservatorship
Court authority to manage money.
Overview
A conservator manages money and property for someone who can no longer do it safely.
That can mean paying the nursing home, stopping a scam, selling a house, or simply keeping the bills paid. It comes with real duties: careful records and regular accountings. We help you with the petition and the paperwork that follows.
Is this for you?
Families usually call us about conservatorship when:
- Bills are going unpaid, or accounts are being drained
- A parent has been targeted by scams or by someone taking advantage
- A house must be sold to pay for care, and no one has authority
- You have been named conservator and are unsure what the court expects
What we help with
- The conservatorship petition
- Bond and inventory filings
- Yearly accountings
- Selling a home with court approval
How it works
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Step 1: Check for a power of attorney
If a valid power of attorney exists, a court case may not be needed. We review it first.
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Step 2: Petition and hearing
We prepare the petition and the medical evaluation, and stand with you at the hearing.
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Step 3: Inventory and bond
After appointment, conservators list everything they manage and may need a bond, a kind of insurance for the person's money.
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Step 4: Yearly accountings
We set up simple record keeping with you and prepare the accounting each year.
What it costs
Example flat fees and ranges for this sample firm. Your fee is written down before any work starts.
| Service and example fee | Example fee |
|---|---|
| Uncontested conservatorship petition Plus court costs and fees the court sets $3,500 to $5,500 | $3,500 to $5,500 |
| Inventory and first accounting $900 to $1,800 | $900 to $1,800 |
| Yearly accounting Depends on the number of accounts $600 to $1,500 | $600 to $1,500 |
| Sale of a home with court approval Quoted in writing | Quoted in writing |
What we cannot promise
We cannot promise the court will appoint you or approve every request. Conservators are held to a high standard, and the court can question any spending. We help you keep records that make those questions easy to answer.
Questions families ask
Do I get paid to serve as conservator?
The court may allow reasonable pay for a conservator's time, but many family members choose not to take any. Any payment must be recorded and is reviewed.
Can I keep my parent's money in my account?
No. A conservator must keep the person's money separate, in accounts in their name, and keep receipts. We show you a simple way to do it.
What if a sibling questions how I spent the money?
Clear records are the best protection. The yearly accounting shows what came in and what went out. If someone raises concerns, we help you respond.
Who you will work with
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Daniel Okafor
Attorney
Related practice areas
Talk to us about conservatorship.
Book a consultation online in about three minutes, or call and a real person will answer. We return every call within one business day.