Words like “conservatorship,” “conservator” and “conservatee” most commonly hit the news when celebrity cases are in motion. Though these cases might tap our curiosity, we are more likely to find cases down the road, across the street, or even a few homes over.
The truth is, many people encounter challenging circumstances and need help managing their affairs so they can lead safe, healthy and happy lives. Most of these cases will never hit the news—or require legal interventions—because generally, informal family and friend networks quietly and kindly step in.
Conservators Are Court-Appointed
Sometimes, the needs and issues of friends or loved ones become increasingly complex—that’s when a court-appointed conservator can be useful. A conservator is an individual chosen to help with the financial needs of a minor, disabled, or elderly person— a conservatee.
The most common reasons conservatorships are granted are cases of coma, mental incapacitation, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke, or brain injury.
A court-appointed conservator can be a relative, friend, professional, or even, in some cases an institution. Sometimes courts choose to limit and define the scope of a conservator’s role. For example, a conservator of the person is charged with medical and personal decision making on behalf of the conservatee; a conservator of the estate is charged with financial decision-making.
As the New York Times (NYT) sums up:
When someone is thought to be unable to care for himself or herself, an adult with a relationship to the individual, perhaps a spouse or other relative, may petition a county probate court for control over his or her affairs via a conservatorship. (In some states, it is known as a guardianship.) This can include control over his or her personal needs (physical health, food, shelter), financial affairs or both. Read full article
What Is a Conservator Bond?
To be appointed by a court, conservators must demonstrate preparedness for their fiduciary obligations. A conservator bond, also referred to as a guardianship bond, is generally required to ensure that the conservator acts in the best interest of the conservatee and acts in accordance with applicable state laws.
Colonial Surety Company is a leading provider of conservator bonds and guardianship bonds Our I-Bonds® (aka instant, online surety bonds) can be instantly quoted, purchased, printed, and e-filed at your convenience using your desktop, tablet or mobile device!
With over 20 years of experience innovating this direct to consumer approach, Colonial Surety Company enables conservators and guardians to efficiently obtain the bonds needed to fulfill their legal responsibilities.
At Colonial Surety Company, the steps or easy: get your quote online, fill out the information requested, and enter in your payment method. You can then print or e-you’re your bond right away! It all begins here: Obtain your bond now
Good To Know
Assuming decision-making rights for another person is not easy! The National Guardianship Association promotes ethical standards for use by all court-appointed fiduciaries—including conservators. Examples of these standards are:
- Involve the person in decision making as much as possible
- Treat the person with dignity.
- Avoid conflict of interest
- Protect freedoms and rights—choose the least restrictive options
- Respect and carefully manage money and property