Conservator / Trustee / Personal Representative
The appointment of a conservator is necessary when a person becomes incapacitated and can no longer make appropriate decisions about finances. Conservators are appointed by the court, and the court order defines the extent of their powers. Trusts are generally established prior to a person becoming incapacitated and typically do not require court involvement at the time of establishment, although court involvment may commence later. Personal representatives are appointed by the court to take responsibility of a deceased person's affairs.
As a conservator, we assume responsibility for our client’s finances. We first take an inventory of the client’s assets and submit a report to the court. We then manage the client’s finances and provide the court with an annual accounting of all income, expenditures, and assets. In making decisions, we always consider our client’s wishes and previously-established values.
As a trustee, we assume responsibility for the assets held in trust and manage them for the benefit of the trust beneficiary.
As a personal representative, we assume responsibility for the deceased person's affairs by securing the assets, paying appropriate liabilities and then distributing the remainder to the heirs.