A conservatorship is a legal proceeding wherein a petition is filed (most frequently by a family member) in court to request that a conservator be appointed for an individual. The probate court always appoints a lawyer to represent the person who is the subject of the conservatorship. There must also be a recently dated physical examination accompanied by a doctor’s report.

A conservator, similar to a guardian who is responsible for the individual's personal and financial affairs, can be appointed by the court.

A conservator of the person is appointed if the individual's decision-making ability is diminished to the extent that he or she is at risk of endangering his or her personal health, safety or welfare or that of others.

A conservator of the property is appointed if the individual's decision-making ability is diminished to the extent that his or her financial assets are at risk of being dissipated or improperly managed.

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