conservatorship

/kənˈsɜrvətərˌʃɪp/

Other forms: conservatorships

When a judge appoints a guardian to manage another person's money, it's called a conservatorship.

When a court establishes a conservatorship, it's meant to protect someone who is unable to care for themselves or make their own financial decisions. That can be because they're too young, or because they have a mental illness or a condition like dementia. A conservatorship can be an elderly person's grown child managing their finances, or a guardian assisting someone who has developmental disabilities. The Latin root of conservatorship means "keeper" or "defender."

Definitions of conservatorship

1. noun

   the legal role of managing the affairs of someone, especially a minor or a person with disabilities