Guide to Guardianship and Conservatorship in Hartsville, Tennessee
If you are researching guardianship or conservatorship options in Hartsville, this page explains key differences and practical steps to protect a loved one. Guardianship typically addresses personal decision-making such as medical care and daily living, while conservatorship focuses on financial and property matters. Navigating court procedures, required documentation, and local Tennessee law can feel overwhelming, particularly during an emotional family transition. This guide outlines what to expect, typical timelines, and how to prepare for hearings so families in Trousdale County can make informed choices and safeguard the interests of an incapacitated adult or minor.
Choosing the right path for someone who cannot manage personal or financial affairs involves more than paperwork; it requires careful planning and an understanding of local court practice. In Hartsville, the process begins with assessing capacity, gathering financial records, and documenting medical evaluations. Families should expect to provide evidence of need, attend hearings, and possibly work with court-appointed evaluators. This introduction summarizes the basics and offers practical next steps, including who typically files petitions, how temporary orders may be used, and options for less restrictive alternatives when appropriate for the person’s best interests.
Why Guardianship and Conservatorship Matter in Hartsville
Obtaining guardianship or conservatorship can provide legal authority to make essential decisions on behalf of someone who cannot do so themselves. This authority helps secure medical care, manage housing and personal needs, protect assets, and ensure bills are paid in a timely manner. For families in Hartsville, a properly handled process avoids disputes and minimizes delays that could jeopardize care or financial stability. The legal relationship created by these appointments also creates clear accountability to the court, offering a structured way to report and seek approval for important actions affecting the protected person’s well-being and estate.
Overview of Jay Johnson Law Firm’s Guardianship and Conservatorship Services
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides assistance with guardianship and conservatorship filings for families across Trousdale County and the surrounding Tennessee area. The firm helps clients prepare petitions, assemble supporting medical and financial documentation, and represent their interests at hearings when needed. Attention is given to practical solutions that aim to preserve the dignity and rights of the person in need while addressing family concerns. Clients can expect straightforward communication about process timelines, court expectations, and how to meet reporting and fiduciary duties after a court appointment is made.
Understanding Guardianship and Conservatorship in Tennessee
Guardianship and conservatorship are court-supervised roles created to assist people who cannot adequately care for themselves or manage financial affairs. In Tennessee, a petition must show that the person lacks capacity and that a proposed guardian or conservator is suitable and willing to serve. Courts favor the least restrictive option and will consider alternatives such as powers of attorney or supported decision-making when possible. The legal process involves filings, notices to relatives, medical evaluations, and a hearing at which the judge determines whether appointment is appropriate based on clear and convincing evidence.
During the process, the court may appoint an evaluator or guardian ad litem to investigate and recommend arrangements that protect the person’s best interests. Once appointed, a guardian typically handles personal and healthcare decisions, while a conservator manages assets and pays bills. Tennessee law requires ongoing reporting to the court, such as inventories and accountings, to ensure transparency and accountability. Families should plan for these responsibilities and understand that the court remains involved to oversee decisions that affect the protected person’s welfare and financial security.
Definitions: Guardianship Versus Conservatorship
Guardianship refers to authority over personal, medical, and everyday decisions for someone who cannot make those choices independently. Conservatorship, in contrast, targets the management of money, property, and financial obligations. Both roles are established through the probate court following a petition and evidentiary showing of need. The court tailors orders to the person’s specific needs and may limit powers to avoid unnecessary intrusion. Understanding these distinct functions helps families decide which filing best addresses immediate concerns while preserving as much autonomy as possible for the individual.
Key Elements and Typical Processes in a Filing
A successful guardianship or conservatorship filing typically includes a detailed petition, medical affidavits or reports on capacity, a proposed care plan, and a clear statement of the proposed guardian’s or conservator’s qualifications. Notice requirements must be met so interested family members can respond. Courts examine the least restrictive alternatives and may order temporary measures pending a full hearing. After appointment, the appointee must often submit inventories, post bonds if required, and file periodic accountings. Understanding these steps helps families prepare documentation and anticipate court timelines and obligations.
Key Terms and Glossary for Guardianship and Conservatorship
This glossary highlights common terms you will encounter when pursuing guardianship or conservatorship in Tennessee. Knowing these definitions can improve communication with the court and make meetings with attorneys or court personnel more productive. Familiarity with terms such as petition, incapacity, fiduciary, inventory, and accounting helps families follow procedural requirements and avoid common pitfalls. The glossary below provides concise explanations to assist Hartsville residents in understanding legal language related to caring for a vulnerable adult or managing their financial affairs.
Petition
A petition is the formal legal document filed with the probate court that requests appointment of a guardian or conservator. It outlines the reasons the appointment is necessary, describes the person’s functional limitations, lists interested parties, and names the proposed guardian or conservator. The petition must be supported by factual detail and may require affidavits or medical statements that show diminished capacity. Filing the petition triggers notice requirements, potential temporary orders, and scheduling of a court hearing where the judge will consider evidence and testimony before making an appointment.
Inventory and Accounting
An inventory is a court-required list of the protected person’s assets prepared by the appointed conservator shortly after appointment. It documents bank accounts, real property, investments, and personal property. Accountings are periodic financial reports that detail income received, expenses paid, and distributions made on the protected person’s behalf. These reports are filed with the court to maintain oversight and ensure funds are used appropriately. Accurate recordkeeping and timely filings are essential to maintain trust with the court and protect the person’s estate from mismanagement or disputes.
Capacity
Capacity refers to an individual’s ability to understand information relevant to a decision, appreciate the consequences, and communicate a choice. In guardianship matters, capacity is assessed for specific decisions rather than as a single global determination. Medical professionals often provide evaluations that describe functional limitations in daily living, financial management, or medical decision-making. Courts evaluate capacity based on evidence and may rely on expert medical testimony and behavioral observations to determine whether a guardianship or conservatorship is necessary for the individual’s safety and welfare.
Least Restrictive Alternative
The least restrictive alternative principle directs courts to choose a solution that imposes the smallest limitations on a person’s autonomy while still addressing safety or financial concerns. Before appointing a guardian or conservator, courts typically consider less intrusive options such as powers of attorney, supported decision-making agreements, or limited guardianships that target specific needs. This approach respects individual rights by preserving as much independence as possible, and it requires petitioners to explain why alternatives are insufficient for the person’s current circumstances or why immediate court intervention is necessary.
Comparing Guardianship and Alternative Legal Options
Families weighing guardianship against alternatives should consider control, timing, and flexibility. Powers of attorney allow someone designated by the person to act while the person remains capable of granting authority, but they become ineffective if the person loses capacity and did not arrange them beforehand. Conservatorships and guardianships involve court oversight and can be tailored in scope but require formal petitions and ongoing reporting. Supported decision-making arrangements preserve autonomy by having trusted individuals assist with decisions without court intervention. Each option has trade-offs related to protection, autonomy, and procedural burden that families must evaluate carefully.
When a Limited or Less Intrusive Approach May Be Sufficient:
Existing Advance Planning Documents
If the person has already executed advance planning documents such as a durable power of attorney for finances or a healthcare directive, those instruments can often avoid the need for court-ordered conservatorship or guardianship. These documents allow appointed agents to act immediately under the authority granted in the instrument, so long as they were validly executed and align with current needs. Families should carefully review existing documents to determine whether they meet current circumstances and consult on proper use and any steps needed to activate or rely on those instruments in Tennessee.
Temporary or Informal Assistance
In some cases, short-term or informal arrangements provide adequate care without involving the court. Family members can coordinate with healthcare providers, banks, and social services to ensure needs are met while monitoring stability. Temporary healthcare proxies or limited authorizations for specific transactions can bridge gaps during acute illnesses or rehabilitation. Courts tend to prefer solutions that preserve independence when appropriate, so documenting efforts to secure informal supports and monitoring the situation can be a viable alternative to immediate guardianship or conservatorship in Hartsville.
When a Full Guardianship or Conservatorship Is Appropriate:
Significant Incapacity or Risk of Harm
A comprehensive guardianship or conservatorship may be necessary when an individual’s decision-making deficits create ongoing risk to their health, safety, or financial well-being. Examples include persistent inability to manage funds resulting in unpaid bills or eviction, severe cognitive decline affecting medical consent, or patterns of vulnerability to financial exploitation. In such situations, court-appointed authority provides a legal framework for decisive action, ensuring that medical care, housing, and finances are managed responsibly while the court monitors the appointee’s actions for the protected person’s benefit.
Complex Financial or Care Situations
When the person’s financial affairs are complex, involve significant assets, or require ongoing management of investments, tax matters, or business interests, conservatorship can provide structured oversight and reporting required by the probate court. Similarly, cases involving complicated medical needs, long-term care placement, or disputes among family members over decision-making often benefit from a court-directed solution. The conservator or guardian acts under court supervision to coordinate services, protect assets, and resolve disputes, bringing stability to situations that families may not be able to manage through informal means.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Guardianship or Conservatorship Approach
A comprehensive court appointment ensures legal authority to make necessary decisions, protects the person from financial abuse, and provides a formal mechanism for resolving disputes among relatives. With court oversight, there is an obligation to file inventories and accountings that create transparency and help preserve assets for the protected person’s benefit. This formal structure also offers assurances to healthcare providers, financial institutions, and service agencies that the appointed individual is authorized to act, which can reduce delays in care or in accessing funds needed for essential living expenses and treatment.
Another benefit of a comprehensive approach is continuity and clarity in responsibility. The appointed guardian or conservator steps into clearly defined roles, helping to coordinate long-term care plans, investments, and other ongoing obligations. Court involvement creates a record of decisions and policies that can be reviewed if questions arise later. For families in Hartsville, this means relief from the burden of managing complex matters alone and the establishment of a single point of accountability that prioritizes the protected person’s health and financial security under the watchful eye of the probate court.
Greater Legal Authority and Protection
Comprehensive appointments grant clear legal authority to act on behalf of the protected person when needed, reducing disputes with institutions or family members about who may make decisions. This authority allows appointed individuals to access medical records, make treatment decisions within court-ordered limits, manage property transactions when authorized, and defend the protected person’s interests in legal or administrative matters. The court’s review and requirement for ongoing reports also function as checks and balances that help guard against misuse of funds or decisions that do not serve the person’s welfare.
Structured Oversight and Accountability
Court supervision introduces formal reporting obligations such as inventories, accountings, and periodic reviews that create transparency and encourage prudent management. Those requirements protect the protected person’s assets and ensure decisions are made in line with the person’s best interests. The structure provided by the probate court can also help resolve family disagreements by establishing an impartial forum for disputes and a documented record of actions. This accountability reassures courts, relatives, and service providers that decisions are being made responsibly.
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Practical Tips for Guardianship and Conservatorship Filings
Gather thorough medical and financial documentation early
Start collecting medical records, physician statements, bank statements, tax documents, and lists of assets as soon as you suspect court intervention may be necessary. Thorough documentation streamlines the petition process and provides the court with evidence about the person’s capacity and financial situation. Accurate records reduce delays caused by requests for additional information and help demonstrate that the proposed guardian or conservator understands the responsibilities involved. Early preparation can also reveal alternatives that avoid court proceedings, such as existing powers of attorney or supported decision-making arrangements.
Talk with family members and interested parties early
Understand ongoing duties and reporting requirements
If appointed, a guardian or conservator will have continuing responsibilities such as submitting inventories, filing accountings, and providing updates to the court on the protected person’s health and financial status. Understanding these obligations in advance helps appointees plan recordkeeping and ensure compliance with Tennessee probate rules. Timely and accurate filings prevent court sanctions and protect the appointee from liability claims. Preparing systems for receipts, expenditures, and medical records early will make reporting less burdensome and maintain transparency with the court and interested parties.
Reasons to Consider Guardianship or Conservatorship in Hartsville
Consider seeking guardianship or conservatorship when a loved one is no longer able to make safe decisions about health care, housing, or finances and when informal arrangements are insufficient. Common triggers include progressive cognitive decline, traumatic injury that impairs decision-making, unmanaged finances that jeopardize basic needs, or instances of exploitation where immediate protective action is needed. The legal appointment provides a clear framework for decision-making and oversight, helping families ensure that medical care is consistent, bills are paid, and assets are preserved for the protected person’s benefit.
Another factor to consider is when disputes among family members hinder timely decisions or when outside entities such as banks or care facilities insist on court-appointed authority to release records or transfer assets. In such circumstances, a guardianship or conservatorship can remove uncertainty and designate a single, accountable decision maker. The court’s involvement and required reporting create structure that can resolve conflicts and facilitate coordinated care. Families should assess the person’s needs, existing documents, and the availability of trusted informal supports before filing.
Common Circumstances That Lead Families to Seek Court Appointments
Typical situations prompting guardianship or conservatorship filings include significant cognitive impairment from dementia or stroke, sudden incapacity after an accident, chronic mental illness affecting daily functioning, or patterns of financial mismanagement that threaten the person’s stability. Other common triggers are contested family dynamics that prevent consensus on care decisions and instances where institutions require court appointment to authorize treatment or financial transfers. Identifying these circumstances early and documenting functional limitations helps families prepare petitions and evidence for the probate court.
Dementia or Progressive Cognitive Decline
When an adult shows progressive memory loss and impaired judgment that endangers their safety or financial stability, guardianship and conservatorship may be appropriate to ensure consistent medical care and protection of assets. In these cases, medical assessments detailing cognitive deficits and the person’s inability to manage daily affairs are key pieces of evidence. Court-appointed authority enables family members to coordinate long-term care, manage benefits, and make housing decisions designed to protect the individual’s health and preserve resources for future needs.
Acute Injury or Illness Causing Incapacity
Sudden events such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other medical emergencies can render an adult unable to make informed decisions temporarily or permanently. In urgent situations, courts may issue temporary orders granting limited decision-making authority while longer-term assessments are completed. Families should act quickly to assemble medical documentation, identify appropriate temporary caregivers, and file petitions if continued oversight is needed. Temporary orders can facilitate immediate medical treatment and financial management while the court reviews whether a longer-term appointment is required.
Financial Exploitation or Mismanagement
Patterns of unexplained withdrawals, unpaid bills, or suspicious transactions may indicate financial exploitation or inability to manage funds, prompting conservatorship to protect assets and secure the person’s financial future. Conservators are responsible for inventorying assets, paying obligations, and making prudent decisions to preserve the estate. Court oversight helps prevent further depletion and provides a mechanism to recover misused funds when possible. Prompt action in suspected exploitation cases is important to limit ongoing harm and protect essential resources for care.
Hartsville Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorney
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists Hartsville residents with guardianship and conservatorship matters, guiding families through Tennessee probate procedures and court requirements. The firm can help prepare petitions, collect supporting documentation, coordinate necessary medical evaluations, and represent clients at hearings when representation is appropriate. Call 731-206-9700 to schedule a consultation and discuss how to protect a loved one’s personal and financial interests. The goal is to provide practical, compassionate support that helps families move forward with clarity and legal protection.
Why Families Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for These Matters
Families choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for guardianship and conservatorship matters because the firm focuses on clear guidance through Tennessee procedures, timely preparation of required documents, and careful attention to court timelines. The firm aims to reduce stress for relatives by explaining options, preparing petitions, and helping assemble medical and financial evidence necessary for filings. The priority is achieving solutions that protect the person’s welfare while honoring their dignity and preferences, and to provide straightforward communication about next steps at each stage of the process.
Working with the firm helps families anticipate reporting duties and ongoing obligations that come with court appointments. Jay Johnson Law Firm prepares inventories, accountings, and required filings and explains fiduciary responsibilities so appointees understand how to meet the court’s expectations. The firm also advises on less restrictive alternatives when appropriate, helping families select the path that best balances protection and autonomy. Clear explanations of legal standards and practical guidance on evidence collection reduce the likelihood of contested hearings and promote smoother resolution.
The firm also assists with communication to institutions and third parties, helping to secure release of records, obtain benefits, and resolve administrative hurdles that often accompany incapacity matters. From initial assessment through any necessary court appearance and post-appointment reporting, the firm aims to provide consistent support so families can focus on the protected person’s care. Contacting the office early can help identify immediate protective steps and develop a plan tailored to the person’s needs and the family’s circumstances.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm to Discuss Guardianship and Conservatorship Options
How the Guardianship and Conservatorship Process Works at Our Firm
The process typically starts with an intake meeting to review the individual’s condition, existing documents, and immediate needs. The firm then assists in gathering medical evaluations, financial records, and witness statements needed to support a petition. Once the petition is filed, the firm helps ensure proper notice to interested parties and prepares clients for the court hearing. If appointed, the firm explains post-appointment duties such as inventories and accountings and offers guidance on fulfilling those obligations efficiently and in compliance with Tennessee law.
Step One: Initial Assessment and Preparation
During the initial stage, the firm collects information about the person’s medical status, daily living needs, and financial situation to determine whether guardianship or conservatorship is warranted. This phase includes identifying interested people who must be notified, reviewing any advance directives, and determining whether temporary orders are necessary. The goal is to develop a clear factual record and assemble the supportive documentation the court will require, minimizing surprises and ensuring filings comply with local probate procedures.
Gathering Medical and Functional Evidence
Collecting detailed medical records and functional assessments is critical to show the person’s limitations in making personal or financial decisions. The firm can advise on the types of evaluations and statements that carry weight in probate court, such as physician affidavits and neuropsychological reports. Documenting daily living challenges, safety risks, and the person’s inability to manage funds provides the court with the necessary factual basis to consider appointment of a guardian or conservator.
Assembling Financial Records and Asset Lists
Preparing a complete inventory of bank accounts, property, retirement plans, and other assets helps the court and proposed conservator understand the estate that will require management. Gathering statements, recent tax returns, and documentation of ongoing expenses clarifies the extent of financial oversight needed. Accurate records also assist in identifying whether bond or other protections will be required and support future accountings once the conservator is appointed.
Step Two: Filing the Petition and Notice
Filing the petition formally brings the matter before the probate court and triggers notification requirements to relatives and interested parties. The petition explains the need for appointment and sets forth the proposed scope of authority for the guardian or conservator. Courts will review the petition and may schedule an evaluation or temporary hearing. Proper notice gives family members an opportunity to respond and ensures the court is aware of any objections or alternative proposals before a full evidentiary hearing takes place.
Serving Notice and Handling Objections
Notices must be served to prescribed interested parties, who may choose to support or contest the petition. The firm assists in preparing notice documents and responding to objections professionally and factually. When disputes arise, the court may schedule contested hearings where evidence is presented and witnesses are examined. Resolving objections through stipulations or agreements can simplify the process, but the court will step in when disagreements cannot be resolved informally.
Temporary Orders and Emergency Relief
If immediate decisions are required to protect the person’s safety or assets, a temporary order can grant limited authority pending a full hearing. This can be crucial after sudden incapacity, medical emergencies, or evidence of imminent financial loss. The firm can assist with motions for temporary relief, arranging expedited medical evaluations, and preparing the necessary record to justify interim action that stabilizes the situation until the court addresses the full petition.
Step Three: Hearing, Appointment, and Post-Appointment Duties
At the hearing, the court considers medical evidence, witness testimony, and any reports from court-appointed evaluators before deciding whether to appoint a guardian or conservator. If appointed, the appointee receives letters of appointment and may need to post bond, file inventories, and submit periodic accountings. The court supervises significant transactions and can require approval for certain actions. Understanding these post-appointment duties is essential to fulfilled obligations and maintaining compliance with Tennessee probate rules.
Court Appointment and Letters of Authority
When the court appoints a guardian or conservator, formal letters of authority are issued to document the appointee’s legal power to act. These letters are presented to financial institutions, healthcare providers, and other entities to authorize actions on behalf of the protected person. The appointee should understand the scope of those letters and any limitations imposed by the court, maintaining records of decisions and transactions to comply with future reporting and oversight.
Ongoing Reporting and Court Oversight
Following appointment, the guardian or conservator must adhere to reporting schedules and fiduciary duties set by the court, including inventories and periodic accountings. These submissions allow the court to monitor the management of assets and the care provided to the protected person. Maintaining organized records, communicating with the court, and seeking court approval for significant transactions when required are key responsibilities that help preserve the person’s estate and protect the appointee from liability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guardianship and Conservatorship
What is the difference between guardianship and conservatorship?
Guardianship relates to personal and healthcare decision-making for someone who cannot make those decisions safely, while conservatorship focuses on financial and asset management. Both are court-created roles in Tennessee that require a petition showing diminished capacity and a need for appointment. The court tailors orders to specific needs and may separate duties so different people manage personal versus financial matters.Understanding the functional differences helps families choose the appropriate remedy. Courts prefer the least restrictive option and may consider alternatives such as powers of attorney, supported decision-making, or limited appointments that only address particular needs rather than full removal of decision-making rights.
How do I start the guardianship or conservatorship process in Hartsville?
To begin, gather medical documentation, financial records, and a list of interested parties who must be notified. Filing a petition with the Trousdale County probate court starts the formal process, and the court will set a hearing after required notices are served. The petition should clearly explain why the person needs a guardian or conservator and propose who should serve in that role.Working with counsel or a knowledgeable advisor can help ensure filings are complete and evidence is organized. Early coordination with healthcare providers for evaluations and timely notice to family members can reduce delays and help the court reach an informed decision more efficiently.
Can guardianship or conservatorship be limited in scope?
Yes, the court can limit a guardianship or conservatorship to specific areas, such as authorizing only healthcare decisions or financial management for a particular asset. Limited appointments are consistent with the least restrictive alternative principle and allow the person to retain as much autonomy as possible while addressing pressing needs.Proposing a limited scope in the petition and providing evidence that certain areas remain within the person’s capacity increases the likelihood of a tailored order. The court will evaluate whether a limited approach adequately protects the person’s interests before granting narrower authority.
What alternatives exist to avoid court-ordered guardianship?
Alternatives include durable powers of attorney for finances, healthcare directives, and supported decision-making agreements, which allow designated individuals to assist without court involvement. These options preserve greater autonomy when the person has capacity to grant authority before becoming incapacitated.When alternatives are available and properly executed, they often avoid the need for probate court involvement. However, if the person lacks capacity to execute these documents or if there is urgent risk, a court appointment may still be necessary to provide immediate legal authority.
How long does the court process generally take?
Timelines vary depending on complexity, completeness of documentation, and whether the matter is contested. An uncontested petition with clear medical evidence may proceed more quickly, often within weeks to a few months, while contested matters or those requiring additional evaluations can take longer.Temporary orders can provide immediate protection when urgent decisions are necessary while the full matter is pending. Early preparation of records and cooperation among interested parties typically shortens the court process and reduces the likelihood of extended litigation.
What duties does a conservator have after appointment?
After appointment, a conservator must inventory assets, manage investments prudently, pay bills, and file periodic accountings with the court. The conservator is responsible for protecting assets and using funds to meet the protected person’s needs while complying with court directives and fiduciary duties.Conservators must maintain accurate records of receipts and expenditures, obtain court approval for significant transactions when required, and respond to court inquiries. Failure to comply with reporting requirements can result in court sanctions or removal from the role.
Can a guardianship or conservatorship be contested by family members?
Yes, family members and interested parties may contest a petition by filing objections and presenting contrary evidence at a hearing. Contested cases often require additional discovery, witness testimony, and potentially expert evaluations to resolve disputes about capacity or the suitability of a proposed appointee.When disagreements arise, courts encourage resolution through negotiation or stipulated agreements where possible. The court’s primary concern is the protected person’s welfare, and judges will weigh competing claims to determine the arrangement that best serves that interest.
Will the protected person lose all decision-making rights?
Not necessarily. Courts aim to preserve as much decision-making ability as possible and may grant limited authority tailored to specific needs. The scope of the appointment depends on the evidence presented and the person’s remaining capacities.When appropriate, the court orders less intrusive measures that allow the person to retain certain rights. Petitioners should document which areas the person can still manage to help the court craft an order that balances protection with autonomy.
Are there costs associated with filing a petition?
Yes, filing a petition involves court filing fees, possible costs for medical evaluations, and fees for service of notice to interested parties. If a conservator is required to post a bond, there may also be premium costs associated with securing that bond. Additional costs can arise if hearings are contested and longer proceedings are necessary.Discussing likely expenses early helps families plan financially for the process. In some circumstances, courts can address fee arrangements or require the estate to cover reasonable costs associated with managing the person’s affairs.
How can I find out if a guardianship or conservatorship already exists for someone?
Court records are public, and you can inquire with the Trousdale County probate court to determine whether a guardianship or conservatorship has been established for a particular individual. The court clerk can provide information about active cases, filings, and appointment records.If privacy concerns exist, counsel can assist in obtaining relevant information and advising on how to proceed if a guardianship or conservatorship is already in place. Knowing existing appointments prevents duplication of filings and helps clarify who currently holds authority.