Understanding Guardianship and Conservatorship in Kansas
March 24, 2025
When an older adult or someone with Alzheimer's, dementia, or any other serious health issue can no longer make safe decisions about their care or finances, guardianship or conservatorship may be needed. These legal arrangements help protect vulnerable individuals from neglect, abuse, or financial exploitation. However, they should only be used when other options are not effective.
What is Guardianship?
A guardian is a person appointed by the court to make legal decisions about an individual’s health, safety, and overall well-being. The person under guardianship is called a ward. Guardians help ensure their ward receives proper medical care, safe housing, and necessary services. Acquiring guardianship takes time. It involves enlisting the help of an attorney and testifying in court for guardianship proceedings. Not only does a guardian make health care and financial decisions, a guardian also makes sure the person's day-to-day needs for safety, food, shelter and care are met. Guardians are responsible to and supervised by the court.
What is Conservatorship?
A conservator
is appointed by the court to manage an individual’s finances and property. The person under conservatorship is called a conservatee. Conservators oversee bank accounts, pay bills, and make sure the conservatee’s assets are protected.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Guardian or Conservator?
- Guardians make decisions about healthcare, living arrangements, and personal needs.
- Conservators manage money, pay expenses, and handle financial matters.
- Both must always act in the best interest of the person they support.
- The law requires them to respect the wishes and values of the ward or conservatee as much as possible.
- Every year, guardians and conservators must submit reports to the court about the care and finances of the person they support.
Does a Guardian or Conservator Pay for Care?
No, guardians and conservators are not
required to use their own money to support the ward or conservatee. Medical bills, nursing home costs, and other expenses should be paid from the individual’s own funds or through available benefits.
Can a Guardianship or Conservatorship End?
Yes, the court may end guardianship or conservatorship if:
- The person regains the ability to make their own decisions.
- The need for guardianship or conservatorship no longer exists.
- The ward or conservatee passes away.
How to Become a Guardian or Conservator?
Anyone appointed after January 1, 2009, must complete a basic training program
before officially becoming a guardian or conservator.
For more information, visit the Kansas Guardianship Program website
or call 1-800-672-0086.
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