To wrap up our intriguing series about guardianships and conservatorships, allow us to answer frequently asked questions about conservatorships and the conservator role:
- What’s the difference between conservatorship and conservator?
- Are there different types of conservatorships?
- When is a conservatorship necessary?
- Is a conservatorship permanent?
What’s the difference between conservatorship and conservator?
A conservatorship is the term used when referring to the court proceedings that appoints a conservator. The conservator is the person who is appointed to help an incapacitated individual, also referred to as the conservatee. Many times, the conservator will handle major life situations and financial issues. There is no one size fits all conservator role. It truly depends on the details and needs of the incapacitated individual.
Are there different types of conservatorships?
Yes, there are four different types of conservatorships. Allow us to explain the different types and roles that are connected to each:
- Financial conservatorships are used when the conservatee can no longer handle his own financial affairs.
- General conservatorships are appointed when the conservatee needs help with his own personal affairs, including finances.
- Limited conservatorships are assigned when an adult develops a disability that will impair his competence over time.
- Probate conservatorships are also used for an adult who cannot make sound decisions, but it can be further assigned as Conservator of the Estate or Conservator of the Person.
When is a conservatorship necessary?
When a person becomes incapacitated – whether sudden or gradual – can dramatically affect everyone involved in the situation, and a conservatorship becomes necessary to protect the conservatee’s affairs. The following are a handful of situations that may require a conservatorship proceeding:
- Brain injury
- Coma
- Dementia
- Mental illness
- Stroke
Is a conservatorship permanent?
A conservatorship is not permanent. The conservatorship will end if the conservator no longer can perform the role (but it’s vital that a new conservator is appointed via the court). It will also end if it is no longer needed (the conservatee gets better) or if the conservatee passes away.
Our compassionate attorneys can guide you through the conservatorship proceedings. Call us today with your questions: 478-987-1415
If you missed the first two blogs in this series, you can check them out here:
- FAQs – Guardianship in Georgia
- What’s the difference between guardianship and conservatorship?
- 4 Common Questions about Conservatorship