Conservatorships and Guardianships

A Tennessee conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints a conservator to manage the personal affairs and/or financial affairs of an individual who is deemed unable to manage their own affairs due to age, disability, or other reasons. A conservatorship is a way to protect the interests of the individual who is unable to manage their affairs and ensure that their needs are met.

In Tennessee, there are two types of conservatorships: conservatorship of the person and conservatorship of the estate. A conservatorship of the person involves the appointment of a conservator to make decisions related to the personal care and well-being of the individual, such as medical treatment, housing, and daily living needs. A conservatorship of the estate involves the appointment of a conservator to manage the financial affairs of the individual, such as paying bills, managing assets, and making financial decisions.

To establish a conservatorship in Tennessee, a petition must be filed with the court. The petition must provide evidence that the individual is unable to manage their affairs and that a conservatorship is necessary to protect their interests. The court will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the individual and investigate the need for a conservatorship.

If the court determines that a conservatorship is necessary, it will appoint a conservator and establish the scope of their authority. The conservator must provide regular reports to the court on their actions and decisions.

Overall, a conservatorship can be a helpful tool for protecting the interests of individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs. However, it is important to carefully consider the need for a conservatorship and ensure that the rights and interests of the individual are protected throughout the process.