Conservatorship vs Guardianship in Connecticut | Goldsby Law

Conservatorship vs. Guardianship in Connecticut: What’s the Difference?

When someone you love begins struggling to make personal or financial decisions, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Is a conservatorship the right option? Or would guardianship make more sense?

The terms sound interchangeable, but in Connecticut they apply in different circumstances, and families often don’t realize that until they start the process.

At Goldsby Law, PLLC, we work with Hartford-area families every day who are navigating these decisions. Our goal is always the same: help you understand your options and choose the path that protects your loved one with dignity and care.

What Is Guardianship?

Guardianship is a legal tool that allows one person to make decisions for someone who cannot make them on their own. In Connecticut, this usually applies to minors or to adults with intellectual disabilities who have never been able to manage their own affairs.

A guardian may handle personal and medical decisions, things like where the person lives, what care they receive, and everyday needs. That said, guardianship does not automatically include authority over finances unless the Probate Court gives that permission.

There are two forms:

• Plenary guardianship, where the guardian makes nearly all decisions
  
  

• Limited guardianship, where the individual keeps certain rights and independence
  
  

Think of guardianship as a long-term protective role for someone who has always needed support.

What Is a Conservatorship?

Conservatorship, on the other hand, is typically used for adults who once managed their own lives but can no longer safely do so because of illness, cognitive decline, or disability.

A conservator can be appointed to help with:

• Personal decisions - medical care, daily needs, and living arrangements
  
  

• Financial decisions - managing income, paying bills, and protecting assets
  
  

Some conservatorships are voluntary, meaning the person understands they need support and requests it. Others are involuntary, often filed by a family member or caregiver when someone can’t safely handle affairs anymore.

In every situation, the Probate Court oversees the conservatorship to ensure the person’s rights and wellbeing are protected.

The Key Difference

The simplest way to separate the two:

• Guardianship helps minors or adults with lifelong disabilities who have never been able to manage their own affairs.
  
  

• Conservatorship supports adults who used to manage their life independently but now cannot.
  
  

Both exist to protect vulnerable individuals, they just apply at different stages and circumstances.

Why This Matters for Connecticut Families

Many families face this crossroads, often during already stressful, emotional times. Choosing the right path affects everything from who can make important decisions to how much court involvement there will be.

It’s also not a one-size-fits-all answer. Every family, and every situation, looks a little different. That’s why legal guidance matters.

Speaking with an attorney who understands Connecticut’s guardianship and conservatorship process can help avoid confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress.

How Goldsby Law Can Help

At Goldsby Law, PLLC, we assist families throughout the Hartford region with:

• Understanding when guardianship or conservatorship is appropriate
  
  

• Preparing and filing the necessary documents
  
  

• Navigating the Connecticut Probate Court process
  
  

• Ensuring loved ones are treated with dignity and respect throughout
  
  

These are big decisions, and you don’t have to make them alone. We’re here to provide clarity and support from start to finish.