What is a conservatorship?
A conservatorship is a legal option used in Washington State for people with disabilities who cannot make major decisions for themselves. It is a court-appointed guardianship that gives a person (the “conservator”) the authority to make decisions and act on behalf of another (the “protected person”). The court sets up the conservatorship and outlines the responsibilities and duties of the conservator. The conservator must act in the best interests of the protected person and must report to the court on the protected person’s welfare. In Washington State, the court only appoints a conservator when it is the least restrictive option available. It must also be in the best interests of the protected person. The court looks at a variety of factors when determining if a conservatorship is the right option. These include the protected person’s wishes, the severity of the disability, the risks involved in granting conservatorship, and the capability and availability of any potential conservator. In a conservatorship, the court appoints a conservator who has the legal authority to make decisions for the protected person. This may include making financial decisions, healthcare decisions, and other legal decisions. The conservator must act with the best interests of the protected person in mind. The court also puts restrictions in place so that the conservator does not abuse their authority. This includes regular financial reports and court-approved expenditure plans. Ultimately, a conservatorship allows the court to protect an individual with a disability who cannot make decisions for themselves. The court appoints a conservator to ensure the protected person’s best interests are served and to ensure that the conservator is acting in the best interests of the protected person.
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