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The Basics

Who is a guardian or conservator?

A guardian is someone chosen by the court to care for the personal well-being of another person.

A conservator is someone chosen by the court to care for the property of another person.  The property cared for by a conservator is called "the estate."

• The same person can be appointed (appointed is another word for chosen) as guardian and conservator. 
• The person protected by a guardian or conservator is called a ward.

When is a guardian or conservator needed?

• A guardian and/or conservator is appointed to make choices for a person who is over 18.  This person must be unable to  make choices for themselves.
• A guardian and/or conservator may be chosen to make decisions for minors (less than 18 years of age) whose parents cannot do so.

What must a guardian do?

• The guardian must file a report with the court about the ward’s physical condition.  The report must tell the court what things the guardian has done to help the ward.
• The report must be filed within 6 months of appointment and on a yearly basis after that. 

What else does the guardian have to do?

 The guardian must

      1.  Care for the ward’s personal property;
      2.  Care for the education and support of the ward;
      3.  Make sure that the ward’s extra funds aren't wasted;
      4.  Collect debts owed to the ward;
      5.  Get medical and other care for the ward;

• A guardian can also consent to the marriage or adoption of the ward.
• A guardian does not have to use his/her own money to support the ward.

What must a conservator do?

Becuase a conservator cares for property, the duties of a conservator are different than those of a guardian

• The conservator must file an inventory (list) of all the ward’s property with the court.
• The list must be filed within 90 days of the conservator being appointed by the court.
• The list must be filed once a year after the first report is filed.

What else must a conservator do?

A conservator must care for the ward’s estate (property) by:

1.  Collecting the ward’s income and assets;

2.  Investing the ward’s estate prudently;

3.  Dealing with lawsuit or debts against the ward’s estate;

4.  Using the ward’s estate for education, care and support of the ward;

5.  Collecting debts owed to the ward;

6.  Anything else the law says must happen.

 
A conservator is not required to use his/her own funds to support the ward.

Who do I call for help?

For more information, contact:

• The Wyoming State Bar Attorney Referral Program for a private attorney;

• If you are low-income call Wyoming Legal Services

Wyoming Legal Services
Janet Millard, Director
P.O. Box 1160
Lander, WY 82520
(307) 332-6626 or 1-800-442-6170

 

• The Wyoming Guardianship Corporation at

Wyoming Guardianship Corporation
Sue Mydland, R.G., Director
P.O. Box 2778
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 635-8422
smydland@msn.com