Define: Conservatorship

Conservatorship is a legal concept in the United States. A person under conservatorship is a “conservatee,” a term that can refer to an adult.

A conservatorship (also called an adult guardianship in some states) establishes the legal right for one person to manage the financial affairs or healthcare of another person if the court determines the person does not have the capability to perform this service on their own.

The conservator is under the court supervision, and the process can be expensive and time-consuming. Court proceedings are public records, and the conservators must provide periodic reports detailing their actions. The courts may require the conservator to seek permission before making major decisions which can include the sale of property or certain health care decisions. If the conservatorship is for financial affairs the conservator may have to post a bond to protect the assets of the conservatee. Unfortunately, it is very easy to mismanage a conservatorship, and abuses can go unnoticed by the state.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.