In Kansas, if an individual becomes incapacitated or is no longer able to properly manage his or her finances alone, they may be in need of a conservatorship. Legally established through the court system, a conservatorship helps ensure the conservatee’s finances are well managed and proper decisions regarding their estate are made. Accepting the role of conservator should be taken very seriously, as the rights and responsibilities afforded can be vast. Being appointed as conservator comes with a set of instructions and duties that an individual caring for another’s financial well-being must abide by. Although monitored by the court system, a conservatorship holds a great amount of responsibility and should be granted only to a qualified and trusted individual. If you have been or will be appointed as conservator, or you are interested in finding out more of what a conservator’s role entails, read this article or contact a Kansas Conservatorship Attorney today.
Court Process of Establishing a Conservatorship
After a hearing determining whether or not a conservatorship is necessary, the judge will issue an order granting or denying the establishment. If the conservatorship is granted and a conservator is appointed, the conservator will be given Letters of Conservatorship, which outline the authority and the duties of the position. These duties will include maintaining, overseeing and making important decisions regarding the conservatee’s property. A bond is also required, unless otherwise instructed or waived by the court. It is important to remember that regardless of the power a conservator is afforded, they are always subject to the control and discretion of the court in order to serve the best interest of the conservatee.
Duties as Conservator in Kansas
The highest priority and overarching duty of a conservator is always to act in the best interest of the conservatee. This includes making decisions based on their wishes, or if their opinion is unavailable, making a decision you know would best serve their needs and well-being in regards to their property and finances. Your first act of business as conservator is to open a bank account under their social security number, under your name, titled as conservator of the account. You are also required to file an Inventory with the court in order to give a full record of the conservatee’s property and assets. This Inventory must be filed within 30 days of the established conservatorship. A current and updated accounting of these assets and property must thereafter be filed with the court every year as long as the appointment stands.
Call a Kansas Guardianship Attorney to Answer Your Conservatorship Questions
As a conservator, you hold a great responsibility and to ensure you properly meet all requirements and duties, contact Kansas Conservatorship Attorney Tom McDowell today. With over 40 years of experience in the area of conservatorship, he knows the legal system and how to manage an estate. Contact McDowell Chartered Legal Services today at (316) 269-0746 to see how we can successfully assist you in fulfilling your role as conservator.
