Centennial Conservatorship Attorney

Centennial Conservatorship Lawyer

If you’re concerned about your loved one’s ability to sufficiently tend to their estate and protect their financial assets, consider speaking with a qualified Centennial conservatorship attorney. Conservatorship matters are undoubtedly complicated, and the relevant laws can be difficult for those unfamiliar with them to grasp.

It’s a wise idea to consult with an educated conservatorship law professional about your legal options and how to proceed moving forward. At the Law Office of Anna L. Burr, we have years of practical experience assisting individuals and their families with estate planning issues. Our skilled team is prepared to work closely with you to address your needs, goals, and concerns.

What Does It Mean to Have a Conservatorship?

A conservatorship is a court order put into place under certain circumstances where it’s deemed necessary for an adult individual to have someone else oversee their established care and other important financial planning. Conservatorships in Centennial are typically for someone who has reached advanced age or is affected by a debilitating illness who no longer has the capacity to safely care for themselves or their estate of their own accord.

Under this legal order, a person is appointed as a conservator, meaning they have the legal authority to make certain decisions on behalf of the person under the conservatorship. The specifics of the conservator’s role and which important life decisions they’re responsible for managing are outlined by the court when the conservatorship is initially approved.

These decisions usually include overseeing the individual’s estate, such as managing their investments and assets, paying their bills, and continuing the day-to-day operation of their business. Additionally, a person may be appointed a guardian to oversee their living arrangements, medical care and treatment, and other important personal matters.

Reasons Someone May Qualify for a Conservatorship

When considering whether it may be ideal to place an individual under conservatorship or guardianship, the court is very careful and conducts a thorough assessment of the person’s capacity to make sound personal life decisions. Some of the circumstances in which the court is more likely to place someone under a conservatorship include:

• Illness or injury. Numerous permanent and temporary ailments can seriously impact a person’s ability to properly manage their finances and tend to their health.
• Substance abuse and addiction issues. In some cases, an individual’s interaction with illicit or prescribed substances could result in them being placed under a conservatorship in order to protect them from harming themselves or their financial assets.
• Disability. Certain mental, physical, and developmental disabilities are one of the more common reasons a conservatorship is put into place. The disability must provably impair the individual’s capacity to make decisions concerning their own welfare.
• Advanced age. Often, a person’s cognitive function can decline as they reach advanced age, sometimes due to various conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and similar mental disorders. Conservatorships can help provide these individuals with the extra assistance they need to manage their financial resources and medical care.
• Financial exploitation. In rare circumstances, a person determined to be in a particularly vulnerable position to financial exploitation may be placed under a conservatorship. This legal arrangement can protect the individual’s estate and assets, preventing them from losing essential resources.

FAQs

Can Anyone Obtain a Conservatorship in Colorado?

No. Conservatorships are only considered in specific situations and are often viewed as the last resort. This powerful legal tool is generally granted after the court has looked at all other options, such as advanced directives, power of attorney arrangements, or other special needs planning. Additionally, only certain individuals may be eligible to be put into a conservatorship.

Who Could Be Eligible for a Conservatorship in Colorado?

In the state of Colorado, the court may deem someone eligible to be placed under a conservatorship for specific reasons, including advanced age, serious injury or illness, certain mental and physical disabilities, developmental disabilities that impact decision-making ability, and more. It’s important to note that none of these factors alone is sufficient reasoning for a conservatorship. The court must be convinced that the person’s affliction or position significantly affects their capacity to make sound judgments.

What Decisions Can a Conservator Make in Colorado?

The decisions an appointed conservator may be able to make on behalf of the person under a conservatorship depends on the case. Since each case is different, with the person being placed under a conservatorship for unique reasons, the court grants the conservator with decision-making authority over areas deemed appropriate for the situation. Usually, conservators are responsible for managing the person’s bills, assets, and important financial decisions. Sometimes, an appointed guardian may manage the person’s medical care and living arrangements.

Is a Conservatorship Similar to a Guardianship?

Conservatorships can be like guardianship in that a person is deemed to be incapable of making personal decisions for themself, leaving the responsibility to another appointed individual. The primary difference is that a conservator is given the authority to handle a person’s financial affairs, and a guardian is responsible for overseeing that individual’s overall welfare.

Are Conservatorships Always Permanent in CO?

Not every conservatorship may be permanent. Colorado has two forms of conservatorship: limited and unlimited. Limited or temporary conservatorships are put into place urgently to protect the estate of the individual. Limited conservatorships are typically established when immediate action is warranted due to unforeseen incapacitation and expire after a specified period unless extended by the court. Unlimited or permanent conservatorships are granted when the person is found by the court to be incapacitated for the foreseeable future.

Centennial Conservatorship Attorney

The experienced team of legal professionals at Burr Law has a deep understanding of the numerous legal and emotional challenges that can often come with conservatorships. We have handled countless conservatorship and guardianship cases, so we’re well-equipped to address your concerns, no matter how complex they may be. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with a qualified conservatorship attorney about your loved one.