Guardianships and conservatorships are court supervised tools that protect individuals who cannot safely manage personal or financial decisions. In Arizona, a guardianship authorizes personal and health decisions. A conservatorship authorizes financial and property decisions. These appointments can be separate or combined and tailored to the individual.
Unsure which option fits your situation? Request a consultation at http://ivan.chat or call (602) 718-1781.
A guardianship is appropriate when an adult is unable to make or communicate responsible personal or healthcare decisions due to dementia, developmental disability, serious mental illness, or another qualifying condition. The court may appoint a guardian when ongoing care and supervision are necessary and less restrictive alternatives cannot meet the person’s needs.
A conservatorship focuses on money and property. It is appropriate when assets are at risk of waste without proper management or when funds must be managed and used for the person’s support. Conservators act as fiduciaries under court oversight and must keep accurate records and safeguard assets.
Unsure whether you need guardianship, conservatorship, or both? Request a consultation at http://ivan.chat or call (602) 718-1781.
For youth with disabilities who will require support at adulthood, Arizona allows initiating an adult guardianship case when the individual is 17 1/2, with the appointment becoming effective at age 18. This planning step helps families avoid gaps in medical or educational decision making when the youth reaches majority.
Planning ahead for a 17 1/2 year old? Request a consultation at http://ivan.chat or call (602) 718-1781.
Arizona law sets priority categories for who the court may appoint as guardian. The court may consider, among others, a person nominated by the individual, a person named in a valid power of attorney, the spouse, adult child, parent, certain close relatives, and licensed fiduciaries. If people with equal priority apply, the court selects the candidate best qualified to serve and may appoint co guardians when it serves the person’s best interests. For youth turning 18 who had joint legal decision making, both parents may be appointed co guardians.
Parents are the natural decision makers for their minor children. When a guardianship of a minor is considered, the court may appoint co guardians when appropriate and consistent with existing family court orders. If parents are divorced, guardianship will not be used to re litigate custody. Any appointment aligns with the decree and focuses on the child’s best interests.
Most Maricopa County matters follow a general path. The court evaluates whether guardianship, conservatorship, or both are warranted and whether less restrictive options could suffice. Interested persons receive notice. The court may appoint an attorney for the proposed ward and may involve an investigator or medical professional. After a hearing, the judge decides whether to appoint and defines the scope and any special authorities. The Clerk issues Letters of Appointment that serve as proof of authority with healthcare providers, schools, banks, and others.
We handle the filings, notices, hearings, and compliance - so you can focus on care. Request a consultation at http://ivan.chat or call (602) 718-1781.
Guardians submit annual reports describing living arrangements, contact, medical care, significant changes in condition, services received, and whether guardianship should continue. Conservators maintain records and file periodic accounts. Non compliance can lead to delays or court action. Our team guides clients through each requirement and calendar deadline.
Your attorney advises on the most appropriate protective arrangement, prepares and prosecutes the case, coordinates supporting evidence and professionals, represents you at hearings, and provides ongoing compliance counsel. The guardian makes personal and health decisions and completes the annual report. The conservator manages income, accounts, and property, keeps detailed records, files inventories and accounts, and seeks court authorization when required.
Whether you are caring for an adult with diminished capacity or planning ahead for a 17 1/2 year old who will become an adult, we tailor a strategy that protects your loved one and minimizes risk. From initial evaluation to Letters of Appointment and long term compliance, we handle the legal process so you can focus on care.
Ready to move forward with experienced counsel? Request a consultation at http://ivan.chat or call (602) 718-1781.
