What is a conservator?

• A. A person who helps with daily living activities.
• B. An individual, organization, or state agency appointed by the probate court to protect and manage the money and property of any person who is unable to manage his or her own property because mental or physical illness or disability.
• C. A guardian who decides medical treatment.
• D. A lawyer who oversees guardianship cases.

Answer: (B)

A conservator is a person or organization given legal authority by the probate court to manage and protect someone’s financial affairs when that person cannot handle their own money or property due to illness or disability. The conservator’s responsibilities include paying bills, safeguarding assets, managing investments, and handling financial decisions in the person’s best interests, often with regular court reporting. This role focuses on money and property, not daily care or medical decisions. A conservator can be an individual, a nonprofit organization, or a government agency, appointed specifically to oversee finances and property. For example, if an adult with dementia can’t manage bank accounts or debts, the court may appoint a conservator to handle those finances on their behalf.