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Complete Conservatorship Guidance for Placerville Families
Navigating conservatorship matters in Placerville can be emotionally and legally demanding. This guide explains how a conservatorship works in California, what steps families typically take, and what to expect from the court process. It is intended to help residents understand when a conservatorship may be necessary, how responsibilities are assigned, and the types of oversight the court provides. We focus on practical information that helps families protect the well-being and assets of loved ones who are no longer able to manage their affairs independently, emphasizing clear communication with the court and interested parties throughout every stage.
Families in Placerville facing diminished decision-making capacity often need reliable information to make sound choices. This guide highlights pathways for caring for an adult who cannot handle finances or personal care, outlining the typical legal steps, timelines, and documentation involved. It also compares conservatorships with alternative planning tools to help people assess whether court supervision is the appropriate route. Our goal is to provide a calm, practical overview that equips readers with the basic knowledge to proceed thoughtfully and to seek further assistance when necessary for their specific circumstances.
Why Conservatorships Matter Locally
Conservatorships offer a legal framework to protect people who can no longer manage personal or financial decisions. In Placerville, this arrangement provides court oversight that helps guard against neglect, financial exploitation, and unmanaged medical needs. The process assigns a responsible person to make decisions in the conservatee’s best interest while requiring regular court reports for transparency. Families gain a mechanism to ensure bills are paid, healthcare decisions are coordinated, and living arrangements are appropriate. This structure is especially valuable when prior planning documents are absent or when circumstances require formal supervision to protect vulnerable individuals and their resources.
About LA Estate Plans and Our Role in Placerville
LA Estate Plans serves Placerville residents with legal services focused on wills, trusts, probate, and conservatorships. Our approach centers on clear communication and careful attention to each family’s circumstances, explaining options under California law and guiding clients through court procedures. We assist with preparing petitions, gathering documentation, and responding to court investigations, aiming to reduce uncertainty for families during difficult times. Our work emphasizes practical solutions, steady guidance, and consistent updates so clients understand the process and can make decisions that protect the conservatee’s welfare and financial interests.
Understanding Conservatorships in Placerville
A conservatorship in California assigns a court-appointed conservator to manage some or all of an adult’s affairs when that person is unable to do so. In Placerville the process begins with a petition to the local court, supported by evidence of incapacity such as medical records or professional evaluations. The court may order an investigation to verify circumstances and assess the suitability of the proposed conservator. Conservatorships can be limited to personal care, financial affairs, or both, and the court defines the scope of authority. Regular reporting and judicial oversight are part of maintaining accountability throughout the conservatorship.
Families should understand that conservatorships are intended to preserve the conservatee’s rights and dignity while providing necessary management of finances, living arrangements, and healthcare choices. The process involves notice to interested parties, hearings where evidence is presented, and ongoing obligations for the conservator to report to the court. Alternatives such as powers of attorney or trusts may be appropriate when planning occurs before incapacity, but a conservatorship becomes the primary option when no effective advance planning documents are in place. Thoughtful assessment helps ensure the conservatorship aligns with the conservatee’s needs and preferences.
What a Conservatorship Means and How It Works
A conservatorship is a legal mechanism in which the court entrusts an individual or organization with responsibility for another adult’s personal care, estate management, or both. The conservator acts under court orders and must follow reporting requirements to show how funds are used and care decisions are made. The conservatee retains certain rights unless the court specifically limits them. The court’s role is to evaluate evidence of incapacity and to supervise the conservator’s actions, balancing protection of the conservatee with preservation of autonomy where possible. This structure is designed to protect vulnerable adults while providing necessary management of daily and financial affairs.
Key Steps and Responsibilities in Establishing Conservatorships
Establishing a conservatorship typically involves filing a petition, serving notice to interested parties, and presenting medical and financial evidence at a court hearing. The court may order a professional investigation to assess the conservatee’s condition and the proposed conservator’s suitability. If appointed, the conservator must manage assets prudently, arrange appropriate care, and file periodic reports and accountings with the court. The conservatorship can be modified or terminated if circumstances change, for example if the conservatee regains capacity or a different arrangement better serves their needs. Open communication with family and the court supports responsible management throughout the conservatorship.
Essential Conservatorship Terms for Placerville Families
Familiarity with core conservatorship terms helps families understand the process and anticipate legal requirements. Key words clarify roles, duties, and procedures: who the conservatee is, what a conservator may do, how petitions and investigations operate, and what reporting obligations exist. Understanding these terms reduces confusion during court proceedings, supports smoother communication among family members and the court, and helps in evaluating whether a conservatorship is the right fit compared with alternatives. Clear definitions empower families to advocate for the conservatee’s best interests throughout each phase of court oversight.
Conservatee
The conservatee is the person subject to the conservatorship, typically someone who cannot reliably manage their financial affairs or personal care due to age, disability, or illness. The conservatee’s needs and rights remain central to court decisions, and the court seeks to balance protection with preservation of autonomy. During the conservatorship process the conservatee may participate in hearings and is entitled to notice and representation. Courts consider medical evidence, testimony, and evaluations when determining the necessity and scope of the conservatorship, with the goal of protecting the individual while respecting their dignity.
Court Investigation
A court investigation is an impartial review ordered to examine the conservatee’s condition and the proposed conservator’s suitability. The investigator interviews the conservatee, family members, and other relevant parties, reviews medical records, and assesses living conditions. The investigator’s report helps the court determine whether a conservatorship is appropriate and what powers should be granted. This independent assessment provides vital information that supports the court’s decision-making and helps ensure the conservatee’s rights and well-being are considered objectively throughout the proceeding.
Conservator
A conservator is the individual or entity appointed by the court to manage the conservatee’s personal care, finances, or both, as authorized by the court’s order. The conservator has a fiduciary duty to act in the conservatee’s best interest, must make responsible decisions about living arrangements and healthcare, and must manage assets prudently. Regular reporting to the court helps maintain oversight. The role requires transparency, careful record keeping, and responsiveness to the needs of the conservatee while following the legal limits and responsibilities imposed by the court.
Petition
The petition is the formal document filed with the court to request the establishment of a conservatorship. It details the reasons a conservatorship is needed, identifies the proposed conservator, and provides supporting evidence such as medical records. The petition initiates the court’s involvement, triggers notice requirements to interested parties, and begins the scheduling of hearings. Accurate and thorough documentation within the petition improves the court’s ability to evaluate the request and helps ensure that the process moves forward with the necessary information to protect the conservatee.
Comparing Conservatorships with Other Planning Options
When planning for incapacity, families can consider conservatorships alongside alternatives like powers of attorney and trusts. Powers of attorney can allow trusted agents to act without court involvement if arranged before incapacity, while trusts can provide ongoing management of financial assets with greater privacy. Conservatorships provide formal court supervision and are typically used when no advance planning documents exist or when court oversight is warranted for protection. Understanding the advantages and trade-offs of each option helps families decide which path best aligns with their needs, values, and the level of oversight they prefer.
When Limited Planning May Meet the Need:
Powers of Attorney in Place
If an individual has durable powers of attorney for finances and healthcare in place prior to incapacity, those documents can allow designated agents to manage critical matters without court involvement. This arrangement preserves more privacy and often reduces delay, enabling timely decisions about care and finances. Families benefit from reviewing and updating these documents periodically to ensure they reflect current wishes and relationships. When powers of attorney are comprehensive and properly executed under California law, they can often prevent the need for a conservatorship altogether, provided the designated agents act responsibly on behalf of the person who granted the authority.
Trusts for Asset Management
A trust can provide ongoing management of financial assets and designate trustees to make distributions for the benefit of the individual without court oversight. Trusts are useful for maintaining continuity of financial administration, preserving privacy, and allowing for tailored management instructions. For many families, a well-structured trust reduces the administrative burden and public exposure that a conservatorship involves. When trusts are properly funded and clearly directed, they can be an effective alternative to court-supervised arrangements, particularly for complex estates that require ongoing financial administration.
When Conservatorship and Court Supervision Become Necessary:
No Advance Planning Documents
When an individual becomes incapacitated without previously executed powers of attorney or trusts, a conservatorship may be the only available legal mechanism to ensure decisions are made on their behalf. The court’s involvement provides authority to manage finances, arrange for care, and protect assets. This process helps families obtain the legal standing required to act, ensuring that important matters can be addressed, from paying bills to arranging healthcare services. In these situations, the court’s oversight helps provide structure and accountability when no other planning is in place.
Complex Needs Requiring Supervision
Certain medical or financial situations require continuous oversight to protect the well-being of the person in need. When assets are substantial, when conflicts arise among family members, or when medical needs are complex, the court can provide an additional layer of protection through a conservatorship. Ongoing judicial review, required accountings, and formal procedures help ensure decisions are transparent and that funds are used as intended. Conservatorships can therefore be an appropriate choice to manage complicated or contested situations where additional safeguards are necessary.
Benefits of a Structured Conservatorship Approach
A conservatorship offers legal recognition and oversight that can stabilize affairs for someone who cannot manage their own needs. The court’s supervision requires periodic reports and reviews that provide accountability and reduce risks of misuse of assets. Families gain assurance that financial matters are monitored and that healthcare and living arrangements are addressed according to a court-approved plan. For many, the formal structure helps reduce family conflict by establishing clear authority and responsibilities under judicial oversight, promoting consistency in care and financial administration over time.
In addition to oversight, conservatorships can be customized to fit the conservatee’s circumstances, with the court limiting or expanding powers as appropriate. This flexibility allows for targeted protection while preserving as much independence as possible. When circumstances change, the conservatorship can be modified through the court to better reflect updated needs. Overall, a structured approach balances protection with ongoing review, helping families plan for long-term management of finances, care coordination, and legal compliance under California law.
Accountability and Court Oversight
The court’s monitoring ensures that financial and care decisions are documented and reported, which helps protect the conservatee from financial abuse and neglect. Required filings and periodic accountings create a paper trail that supports transparency and reduces the likelihood of disputes. This accountability can provide families with reassurance that funds are managed appropriately and that care decisions are subject to judicial review. In contested situations, court oversight also offers a forum for resolving disagreements and adjusting arrangements as needed to safeguard the conservatee’s welfare.
Tailored Management of Personal and Financial Needs
Conservatorships can be structured to address either personal care, financial management, or both, allowing the court to define the responsibilities that best match the conservatee’s situation. This tailored approach ensures that daily living needs, medical decisions, and asset management receive appropriate attention. If conditions evolve, the conservatorship can be modified to expand or narrow authority, providing a mechanism to respond to changing circumstances. The result is a framework that aligns oversight with the conservatee’s unique requirements while maintaining legal accountability.
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Practical Tips for Managing Conservatorships
Keep Detailed Records
Thorough documentation is one of the most effective ways to succeed under conservatorship reporting obligations. Maintain organized records of income, expenses, medical bills, care-related receipts, correspondence with providers, and decisions made on behalf of the conservatee. These records simplify required accountings to the court and provide clarity during disputes or reviews. Clear, dated notes that explain reasons for major financial decisions and medical choices create transparency for family members and the court, and reduce the risk of misunderstandings while helping to demonstrate responsible stewardship.
Communicate Regularly with Family
Understand Court Responsibilities
Familiarize yourself with the legal duties that accompany the role of conservator, including reporting deadlines, accounting requirements, and procedures for seeking court approval for major transactions. Knowing these obligations helps avoid compliance issues and demonstrates responsible management. If circumstances change, file appropriate petitions to modify the conservatorship or to request instructions from the court. Being proactive about filings and timelines reduces stress and improves outcomes for the conservatee, as the court expects transparent, timely compliance with its oversight processes.
When to Consider Seeking a Conservatorship
Consider a conservatorship when an adult’s ability to manage finances, make healthcare decisions, or handle daily living tasks is significantly impaired and no effective advance planning documents are in place. Conservatorships are appropriate when informal arrangements are insufficient, family members disagree about care, or there is concern about the person’s safety or financial well-being. The court process can grant authority to a responsible person to manage essential matters and provides oversight through required filings and periodic review to protect the conservatee’s interests and ensure ethical administration.
Another reason to pursue a conservatorship is when medical conditions are progressive or could lead to escalating needs that require structured decision-making and supervision. Conservatorships can address complex financial situations, coordinate long-term care planning, and ensure continuity of decision-making when capacity fluctuates. Families dealing with sudden incapacitation without planning documents often rely on conservatorships as the legal mechanism that permits necessary healthcare and financial arrangements, while the court monitors the conservator’s actions to reduce risk and provide accountability.
Common Situations That Lead to Conservatorships
Typical scenarios prompting conservatorships include severe cognitive decline such as dementia, serious physical injury that impairs decision-making, or developmental conditions requiring lifelong management. Sudden medical crises that leave an adult unable to handle finances or daily care are another frequent cause. When family members cannot agree or when there is concern about financial exploitation, the court may intervene to appoint a conservator. These conditions often require a formal legal structure to ensure consistent care and proper financial oversight while protecting the person’s dignity.
Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Progressive cognitive disorders like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease often lead families to seek conservatorships to ensure financial obligations are met and care decisions are made reliably. Conservatorships can help arrange appropriate living arrangements, manage benefits and assets, and make healthcare choices when the conservatee can no longer do so. Having a court-approved conservator can also help protect the person from financial abuse and coordinate long-term care planning as needs evolve over time.
Serious Injury or Illness
A sudden injury or illness that causes incapacity may require immediate legal authority to manage medical decisions and financial affairs. In these instances, a conservatorship provides the legal mechanism for trusted individuals to pay bills, arrange rehabilitation or long-term care, and make decisions that support recovery or ongoing treatment. The court’s supervision offers a framework for accountability while family members focus on the conservatee’s health and recovery process.
Developmental Disabilities Requiring Ongoing Support
Individuals with developmental disabilities who need lifelong assistance managing finances or daily living may benefit from a conservatorship where no other planning mechanism is appropriate. Conservatorships provide a stable arrangement for managing benefits, paying for care services, and coordinating housing or assisted living needs. The court can tailor the conservatorship to preserve as much independence as possible while ensuring necessary protections and supports are in place for long-term welfare.
We Are Here to Assist Placerville Families
Why Choose LA Estate Plans for Conservatorship Matters
LA Estate Plans focuses on providing clear and thoughtful guidance to families facing conservatorship decisions in Placerville. We help clients evaluate alternatives, prepare petition documents, and respond to court requirements with attention to detail. Our work aims to make the process more predictable by explaining timelines, obligations, and likely next steps so families can plan effectively during a stressful time. We emphasize practical solutions that prioritize the conservatee’s well-being while complying with California law.
When a conservatorship is necessary, timely and accurate filings combined with organized documentation can make a meaningful difference in proceedings. We assist families in compiling medical records, financial statements, and witness information needed by the court, and we coordinate with investigators and other professionals as required. This support helps ensure that the petition and related filings present the circumstances clearly, which can streamline hearings and foster reliable outcomes for the conservatee and their loved ones.
Throughout the conservatorship process we aim to maintain consistent communication with family members and the court, helping clients understand reporting duties and procedures for modifying or terminating a conservatorship if circumstances change. Our approach is grounded in protecting the person’s dignity and assets while navigating legal requirements. If you need assistance in Placerville, we can explain options, prepare filings, and provide steady guidance through each stage of the conservatorship process.
Contact LA Estate Plans to Discuss Your Conservatorship Needs
How the Conservatorship Process Works with Our Firm
Our firm helps clients through the entire conservatorship process from initial assessment through ongoing administration. We begin by reviewing medical and financial information to determine whether a conservatorship is necessary and which type would be appropriate. We then prepare and file the petition, coordinate service of notice, and guide clients through hearings and court investigations. If appointed, we assist the conservator with reporting and accountings, and we can help petition for adjustments as circumstances change. Our focus is on clarity, compliance, and steady communication throughout the case.
Step One: Case Evaluation and Preparation
The first step involves evaluating the situation to determine if a conservatorship is needed and collecting the documentation that supports the petition. This includes medical records, statements about daily functioning, financial records, and information about potential conservators. Clear organization of these materials makes it easier to present the case to the court and helps the investigator and judge understand the conservatee’s needs. Early assessment also identifies whether alternatives like powers of attorney might be available or whether court intervention is required.
Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment
During the initial consultation we gather details about the conservatee’s condition, review available documents, and discuss potential outcomes. This assessment helps determine the necessary scope of a conservatorship and identifies the information the court will require. We discuss the pros and cons of pursuing a conservatorship versus other planning tools, and outline the documentation and timeline involved. This early conversation helps families make informed decisions and prepares them for the procedural steps ahead.
Compiling Supporting Documents
Gathering thorough supporting documentation strengthens the petition and reduces delays. Important items include recent medical evaluations, financial statements, lists of assets and creditors, and information about the proposed conservator. Witness statements or observations from treating professionals can also be helpful. Well-prepared records facilitate the court’s review and support the investigator’s assessment, helping to clarify the conservatee’s needs and the reasons a conservatorship is being requested.
Step Two: Filing, Notice, and Investigation
After preparing the petition and supporting materials, the petition is filed with the appropriate court and notice is provided to interested parties. The court typically schedules a hearing and may appoint an investigator to evaluate the conservatee’s condition and the proposed conservator’s suitability. The investigator’s report and the hearing provide the court with the information needed to decide whether a conservatorship is warranted and what powers should be granted. Proper service and clear evidence help the process proceed efficiently.
Serving Notice and Scheduling Hearings
Once the petition is filed, interested parties must be given proper notice as required by law to ensure due process. The court sets a hearing date where evidence is presented and interested parties may voice concerns. Ensuring that notice is correctly served and deadlines are met is essential to avoid procedural challenges that could delay resolution. Clear communication with family members, service agents, and the court helps the process move forward in an organized way.
Court Investigator and Report
A court investigator will typically meet with the conservatee, review medical and living conditions, and evaluate the proposed conservator’s suitability. The investigator prepares a report for the judge summarizing observations and recommendations. This independent review is a key factor in the court’s decision and provides an objective assessment of the conservatee’s needs. Preparing for the investigator by gathering documentation and facilitating interviews improves the quality and clarity of the report.
Step Three: Appointment and Ongoing Administration
If the court appoints a conservator, that person assumes responsibilities under court supervision. The conservator must manage finances, arrange care, and file periodic accountings and status reports with the court. The court monitors the conservatorship to ensure compliance with reporting requirements and may require approvals for significant transactions. If circumstances change, the conservatorship can be modified or terminated through additional petitions to the court, allowing adjustments to better serve the conservatee’s evolving needs.
Fiduciary Duties and Reporting Requirements
Conservators are held to fiduciary standards that require prudent financial management and honest reporting to the court. Regular accountings, disclosure of expenses, and documentation of care-related decisions are typically required. These duties promote transparency and help prevent misuse of assets. Understanding filing deadlines and the scope of permitted actions reduces risk and helps maintain the trust of family members and the court throughout the conservatorship’s duration.
Adjusting the Conservatorship Over Time
Circumstances may change after a conservatorship is established, such as improvements in the conservatee’s condition or new financial developments. The court allows petitions to modify the scope of authority, change the appointed conservator, or terminate the conservatorship when appropriate. Regular review of the conservatee’s situation and timely filings help ensure that the legal arrangement continues to serve the best interests of the individual and that the conservatorship remains aligned with current needs and objectives.
The Proof is in Our Performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Conservatorships in Placerville
What is a conservatorship and when is it necessary?
A conservatorship is a legal arrangement where the court appoints someone to make personal, financial, or both kinds of decisions for an adult who cannot manage those matters themselves. It becomes necessary when the person lacks the ability to handle finances, healthcare choices, or daily living needs due to cognitive decline, serious illness, injury, or disability and when no effective advance planning documents exist. The court evaluates medical and other evidence to determine whether protective oversight is required to safeguard the individual’s welfare and assets. Conservatorships provide a formal structure with court supervision to ensure accountability. The court defines the conservator’s authority and may require periodic accountings and status reports. This oversight helps protect the conservatee from neglect or financial misuse while providing a legal means for trusted persons to manage essential affairs on the person’s behalf.
How do I begin the conservatorship process in Placerville?
To begin a conservatorship in Placerville you typically file a petition with the county court that has jurisdiction. The petition should identify the conservatee, explain why a conservatorship is needed, and name the proposed conservator. Supporting documentation such as medical records and statements about the person’s functional limitations strengthens the filing and helps the court understand the circumstances prompting the request. After filing, interested parties must be given notice and the court will schedule a hearing. The court may order an investigator to assess the conservatee and report to the judge. Proper preparation of documents and clear communication with family members and the court help the process proceed more smoothly and reduce delays in obtaining the authority needed to manage the conservatee’s affairs.
What responsibilities does a conservator have?
A conservator’s responsibilities depend on the powers granted by the court and may include managing finances, paying bills, investing assets prudently, arranging living arrangements, and making certain healthcare decisions. The conservator is expected to act in the conservatee’s best interest and is subject to reporting requirements that document actions taken on the conservatee’s behalf for transparency and court oversight. These duties also involve regular record keeping and filing accountings with the court as required. When making significant financial or care-related decisions the conservator should consider the conservatee’s preferences and long-term welfare. The court may require prior approval for major transactions, ensuring additional protection for the conservatee and a check on the conservator’s decisions.
Can a conservatorship be limited to only finances or only personal care?
Yes. Conservatorships can be limited in scope based on the conservatee’s needs. The court may appoint a conservator for the person only, which covers personal care decisions and living arrangements, or for the estate only, which handles financial matters. In many cases the court may grant both types of authority if circumstances warrant comprehensive oversight. Limiting the conservatorship to specific authorities helps preserve the conservatee’s autonomy where possible. If a person can still make certain decisions, the court will ordinarily avoid taking away those rights unnecessarily. When circumstances change, the scope of authority can be adjusted through further court action to better match the conservatee’s needs.
What alternatives exist to conservatorships?
Alternatives to conservatorships include powers of attorney and trusts, which can provide authority to trusted persons without court involvement if executed before incapacity occurs. A durable power of attorney for finances or a healthcare directive can allow named agents to act on behalf of the person, preserving privacy and reducing the need for formal court supervision. Trusts offer another option for managing assets and providing ongoing administration with fewer public filings. These planning tools are most effective when put in place early. When no such documents exist and incapacity is present, a conservatorship may still be necessary to provide legal authority and oversight to manage the person’s affairs.
How does the court investigate a conservatorship petition?
When the court receives a conservatorship petition it often appoints an investigator to evaluate the conservatee’s condition and the suitability of the proposed conservator. The investigator typically interviews the conservatee, family members, and caregivers, reviews medical records, and observes living conditions. The resulting report helps the judge assess whether a conservatorship is necessary and whether the proposed conservator should be appointed. The investigator’s findings are an important part of the court’s decision-making, providing an independent perspective. Preparing thorough documentation and facilitating the investigator’s access to records and interviewees can help ensure the report accurately reflects the conservatee’s needs and the proposed arrangements.
How often must a conservator report to the court?
Reporting frequency varies by the court’s orders and the conservatorship’s nature, but conservators are typically required to file periodic accountings and status reports. Financial accountings document income, expenses, and distributions, while status reports describe the conservatee’s living and medical situation. These filings provide transparency and help the court monitor the conservator’s administration of the conservatorship. Courts may require annual accountings or more frequent reports depending on the case specifics. Fulfilling reporting obligations on time and maintaining complete records reduces the risk of disputes and demonstrates responsible stewardship to the court and interested parties.
Can a conservatorship be changed or ended?
Yes. A conservatorship can be modified or terminated if circumstances change. For example, if the conservatee regains capacity, a petition can be filed to terminate the conservatorship. Likewise, if the conservator is not fulfilling duties or another arrangement would better serve the conservatee, interested parties can petition the court to change the conservator or the scope of authority. The court evaluates requested changes based on current evidence about the conservatee’s condition and best interests. Ongoing review and the ability to seek adjustments help ensure the conservatorship remains appropriate as needs evolve.
What protections exist against financial abuse in a conservatorship?
Protections against financial abuse include the court’s requirement for conservators to file accountings, obtain approvals for major transactions, and maintain transparent records. These measures create oversight that helps prevent misuse of the conservatee’s assets. Interested parties and the court can review accountings and raise concerns if there are signs of improper conduct. Additionally, the court investigator and required notices to interested parties provide multiple checks on the conservator’s actions. If abuse or mismanagement is suspected, the court can investigate, remove the conservator, and appoint a new fiduciary, and remedies exist to recover misapplied funds.
Who can be appointed as a conservator?
Courts may appoint a family member, trusted friend, or a professional fiduciary as a conservator, depending on the circumstances and what the court finds to be in the conservatee’s best interest. The proposed conservator must demonstrate suitability to manage the duties assigned by the court and must be willing to comply with reporting and fiduciary obligations. If no appropriate private person is available, the court may appoint a public guardian or another qualified entity. The court evaluates factors such as relationships, availability, financial management ability, and the absence of conflicts of interest when choosing a conservator.