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Conservatorships
 
 

A conservator is a person appointed by the Probate Court to oversee the financial or personal affairs of an adult. In an involuntary conservatorship, a conservator is appointed only if the court determines that the individual is unable to care for him or herself, or unable to manage his or her financial affairs. In a voluntary conservatorship, the court appoints a conservator on the request of an adult who seeks assistance in managing his or her affairs, without making a finding that the individual is incapable.

There are two kinds of conservators. A conservator of the person supervises personal affairs and ensures that the person's basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing and health care, are met. A conservator of the estate supervises financial affairs, including caring for property, managing bank accounts and ensuring the safe handling of the person's income.

Often, the Probate Court will appoint a family member of the individual, or his or her close friend, as the conservator. Sometimes the court will appoint someone else, such as a lawyer. The court tries to determine who the conserved person prefers but, if a conflict exists, may appoint an uninterested party. 

Conservators and people who are interested in being conservators can find more information by clicking on the link, Conservators.

Restoration of Firearm Rights

When a Probate Court appoints an involuntary conservator, the court must find the person to be mentally incompetent. A person determined to be mentally incompetent may not buy, sell, own or possess a firearm, and his or her name is listed with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. A person who has recovered from the condition causing mental incompetence may ask the Probate Court to reinstate his or her firearm rights. 
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