Limited Conservatorship


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A limited conservatorship is designed specifically for an adult with a developmental disability who requires assistance in certain areas of life but may remain capable of making other decisions independently. Unlike a general conservatorship, the court grants only those specific powers shown to be necessary. These may include authority relating to residence, access to confidential records, medical decisions, education, contracts, marriage, and social or sexual relationships. The purpose of a limited conservatorship is to provide needed protection and support while preserving the conservatee’s independence, personal rights, and ability to participate in decision-making to the greatest extent possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

A limited conservatorship is designed for an adult with a developmental disability who needs assistance in specific areas of life but may be capable of making other decisions independently.

The court may grant only those particular powers shown to be necessary. The purpose is to provide needed support and protection while preserving the conservatee’s independence, rights, and participation in decision-making to the greatest extent possible.

Depending upon the individual’s needs, the court may grant authority to:

  • Determine the conservatee’s residence;
  • Access the conservatee’s confidential records;
  • Consent to or withhold consent to marriage;
  • Control the conservatee’s right to enter into contracts;
  • Make certain medical decisions;
  • Control the conservatee’s social and sexual relationships; or
  • Make decisions concerning the conservatee’s education.

These powers are not granted automatically. The petitioner must identify the particular powers requested, and the court decides which powers, if any, are necessary.