Guardianships & Conservatorships in Colorado

We assist families and individuals with guardianship and conservatorship matters in Colorado, providing clear guidance through court appointments and ongoing responsibilities. These cases are often necessary when a loved one is unable to manage their personal care, housing or financial affairs, usually occurring when there is a minor child or disabled adult. When someone’s health, safety, and welfare is at risk, we are here to help.

When These Protective Proceedings Are Needed

These proceedings are designed to provide protection while preserving as much independence as possible. Guardianships and conservatorships are typically considered when:

• An adult is incapacitated due to illness or serious injury

• A minor requires legal decision-making support or receives a financial settlement or inheritance

• A person cannot manage finances or personal care safely

• There is risk of financial exploitation or harm

Key Differences

These roles are distinct but often work together to protect vulnerable individuals.

• Guardian: Makes personal, medical, and healthcare decisions

• Conservator: Handles financial and property matters

Our Services

Establishing Guardianships

A guardian is court-appointed fiduciary. A guardian is responsible for assisting in the personal decisions for a minor child or disabled adult, including healthcare, living arrangements, medication management, and daily care. We can help with:

• Investigating the facts and circumstances to determine least restrictive means

• Helping family members understand and prepare for guardianship

• Investigating appropriate fiduciaries to serve as guardian

• Petitioning the court to appoint a guardian (for minor child or disabled adult)

• Representing protected persons, family members, or interested parties

• Assisting with required medical and legal documentation

Establishing Conservatorships

A conservator is a court-appointed fiduciary. A conservator manages the financial affairs and property of a minor child or protected person, including paying bills, managing assets, and ascertaining benefits for the protected person. We can help with:

• Investigating the facts and circumstances to determine least restrictive means

• Helping family members understand and prepare for conservatorship

• Investigating appropriate fiduciaries to serve as conservator

• Filing petitions for the appointment of a conservator (for minor child or disabled adult)

• Filing court paperwork for financial protection orders

• Preparing required financial information and court filings

Combined Protective Proceedings

In many cases, both roles of a guardian and a conservator are needed to fully protect an individual. In these cases, both guardianship and conservatorship are needed. We can help with:

• Coordinating cases involving both guardianship and conservatorship

• Advising on when one or both roles are appropriate

• Investigating appropriate fiduciaries to serve as guardian and conservator

• Ensuring compliance with Colorado protective proceeding laws

Guidance for Guardians and Conservators

These roles of guardian and conservator carry ongoing responsibilities, fiduciary duties, and court oversight, including regular reporting and acting in the best interests of the protected person. We can help with:

• Advising on fiduciary duties and legal obligations

• Assisting with required annual reports filed with the court

• Helping ensure compliance with court orders

Modifications and Removal

When a guardian or conservator is appointed, the probate courts retain authority to review and remove fiduciaries who fail to meet their obligations. Sometimes these appointments need modification, to be the least restrictive means. We can help with:

• Limiting the authority of a guardian or conservator

• Modifying the authority of a guardian or conservator

• Modifying or terminating guardianships or conservatorships

• Addressing concerns about misconduct or mismanagement of the guardian or conservator

• Seeking removal or replacement of a guardian or conservator

Local Experience

Guardianship and conservatorship cases are filed in the district or probate court where the individual resides. We handle protective proceedings throughout the state of Colorado, including Denver Probate Court and local county probate courts.

Resources

• Colorado Judicial Branch – Probate & Protective Proceedings

• Colorado Judicial – Conservatorship Resources

These resources include forms, instructions, and general guidance for guardianship and conservatorship cases.

Contact Us

If you need assistance with a guardianship or conservatorship in Colorado, we provide practical guidance to help you protect your loved one and meet all legal requirements.

We work with you to find the best solution for you, your family, and your wallet. We are here to help. Contact us below - we can get you started in the right direction.