What are the functions of a guardian, conservator, or committee?
Guardians, committees and conservators are people appointed by the court to protect the legal rights of, or to take care of, the property or estate of an incapacitated person. If the court decides that person is legally incapacitated or incapable of taking care of him or herself, it may give a guardian authority to make all decisions on behalf of the incapacitated person. Sometimes the court may also limit the guardian’s authority to specific decisions. A conservator may be appointed to manage the incapacitated person’s funds and property and will be responsible to the court for how those assets are managed. The guardian and conservator may be the same person. To have a guardian or conservator appointed for an incapacitated person, a petition must be filed with the circuit court. Any adult interested in the well-being of the incapacitated person can file the petition. There are filing fees for guardianships, conservatorships, and committees. Before the hearing, the court will appoint a
