Before Conservatorship
Before seeking a conservatorship, Minn. Stat. 524.5-409 requires that you must meaningfully consider and try as appropriate less restrictive alternatives—such as supported decision making—before a conservator is appointed. Be prepared to tell the court what options you tried, for how long, and why they didn’t work.
A less restrictive alternative is something that allows a person to keep as much self-determination and control over their own life as possible while still addressing the person’s financial needs. Less restrictive alternatives may include:
A less restrictive alternative is something that allows a person to keep as much self-determination and control over their own life as possible while still addressing the person’s financial needs. Less restrictive alternatives may include:
- A power of attorney (if the person has the capacity to sign one).
- Supported decision-making.
- Representative Payee appointed by Social Security Administration to manage Social Security benefits.
- Creating a trust.
- Automatic payments for bills.