The concept of conservatorship should provide relief for those who are concerned about their mental ability to look after themselves, as well as the friends and relatives of those people. Appointing a conservator may be a serious emotional issue, but the state of Connecticut can make the process relatively straightforward with the right guidance.
Can someone name his or her own conservator?
If a person has the ability to make his or her own decision when the decision is made, he or she can appoint a future conservator. This may be done in writing with appropriate witnesses in or before a probate hearing.
How does someone learn he or she has had a conservator appointed?
A conservator or future conservator should be notified by personal service, either by hand or courier, at least 10 days before a probate hearing involving the appointment. A person must be informed of the consequences of conservatorship and be given the opportunity to be represented by a lawyer.
What happens at a probate hearing?
The person who may have a conservator appointed for him or her may attend the hearing, and an attorney may be appointed for that person if legal representation is beyond the person’s ability or financial range. He or she may also counter any medical evidence that led to conservatorship applications.
An attorney may often help a conservatorship applicant or a person who may be cared for by a conservator understand the process as much as possible, and guide these people through the appropriate legal requirements.
Source: Connecticut Legal Rights Project, “Conservatorship,” accessed Jan. 11, 2018