Daughter helping her elderly mother put on her coat

Conservators

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 himself 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 caring for himself or herself and/or 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 matters 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. 

Protecting the rights of families and individuals

Conservatorship Resources

Forms

Check this list for downloadable access to forms that may be applicable to this matter.

User Guides

Review these guides we've prepared to help you understand court procedures related to this matter.

Standards of Practice

Review the Connecticut Standards of Practice for Conservators for the duties of a conservator including ethical principles and key considerations for decision-making.

Professional Conservators

Many conservators serve without compensation. In more complex cases or if a conserved person is indigent with no family to be conservator, the Probate Court may appoint a professional conservator.

FAQ

Get quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this type of matter.

Probate Court LMS

A self-study training program for conservators.
Quick access to what you'll need most

Online tools & access for conservators

eFiling Icon

eFiling

Electronic filing system for attorneys, self-represented individuals and certain Connecticut state agencies.
eBilling Icon

eBilling

Electronic billing system for court-appointed attorneys and conservators.
Calculator Icon

Fees & Expenses

Learn more about the standard fees and expenses that are related to these matters.