Guardianship and Conservatorship

The Office of Elder Services may serve as public guardian and conservator for incapacitated adults age 18 and over (except for persons with mental retardation) in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Guardians make decisions for people who cannot make decisions for themselves.
Conservators protect and manage the finances and other property of a person in need of protection from exploitation or mismanagement of funds.

The state acts as guardian or conservator only when there is no one to serve as private guardian or conservator and other less restrictive arrangements are not enough.

Questions and Answers on Guardianship

For more information contact:

Office of Elder Services

Nationwide 24-hour, toll-free 1-800-624-8404

TTY: 1-800-606-0215

Office information

Information for

Guardianship and Conservatorship