Guardianship and conservatorship in Connecticut: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Connecticut, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Conservator of the person, conservator of the estate (voluntary representation, involuntary representation, temporary conservator)
- Filing fee
- $250 to file an application to appoint a conservator, temporary conservator or special limited conservator.
- Court
- Probate Court for the district where the respondent resides, is domiciled or is located when the application is filed.
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Conservator of the person, conservator of the estate (voluntary representation, involuntary representation, temporary conservator)
- When a court may appoint one
The court may appoint a conservator of the estate or of the person only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapable of managing their affairs or of caring for themselves, that this cannot be handled adequately without a conservator, and that a conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention available. No conservator may be appointed if the person's needs are being met adequately by an agent under a power of attorney or a health care representative.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-650(f)
- Kinds
- Voluntary representation (conservator at the person's own request, without a finding of incapacity)
- Involuntary conservator of the person, of the estate, or both
- Temporary conservator (up to 30 days unless extended)
- Guardianship for an adult with intellectual disability
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-644 to 45a-663; Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-106a; Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-111
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
Any person may file an application for involuntary representation, stating why the person is incapable. An adult can ask for a conservator for themselves (voluntary representation, 45a-646). A temporary conservator can be sought by anyone the court finds has sufficient interest, such as a spouse or relative (45a-654).
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-648
- Court
Probate Court for the district where the respondent resides, is domiciled or is located when the application is filed.
- Choosing your own
While of sound mind you can designate in writing who you want as conservator or successor conservator. The writing must be signed, witnessed and revoked like a will or like a power of attorney under section 1-350d, and the person you designate cannot be a witness. You can also nominate in a power of attorney (1-350g) or the health care form (19a-575a). The court must appoint your nominee unless the person is unwilling or unable to serve or there is substantial evidence to disqualify them (45a-650(h)).
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-645
- Effect on a power of attorney
When it appoints a conservator of the estate, the court may continue, limit, suspend or terminate the power of attorney. If it continues, the agent also accounts to the conservator; a suspended power of attorney is reinstated if the conservatorship ends because you regain capacity.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350g(b), 45a-650(k)
Cost, fee waiver and forms
- Filing fee
$250 to file an application to appoint a conservator, temporary conservator or special limited conservator.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-106a(b)
- Fee waiver
Request/Order - Waiver of Fees (Petitioner), form PC-184; the court waives fees if it finds the applicant unable to pay.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-111(c)
- Forms
- Steps
Other options and where to report abuse
- Supported decision-making
Connecticut has no supported decision-making law.
- Less restrictive options
- Durable or springing power of attorney: An agent handles money and property. The court must consider whether the person already made such arrangements.
- Health care representative and living will: A person you choose makes medical decisions, guided by your written instructions.
- Trust: Property is managed by a trustee under the trust's terms.
- Support services, technology and other help: The court must consider supportive services, technologies or other means available to help the person meet their needs.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Connecticut Department of Social Services - Protective Services for the Elderly · 1-888-385-4225
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Law: Special Act 26-12 (Substitute H.B. 5485, 2026)
Free help in Connecticut
- Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut (legal aid hotline) · 1-800-453-3320
- CTLawHelp.org
- Connecticut Probate Courts: Conservatorship
- Probate Court User Guide for Conservators (PDF)
- Connecticut Attorney General: Connecticut's Living Will Laws (forms)
Report abuse or exploitation
Connecticut Department of Social Services - Protective Services for the Elderly · 1-888-385-4225
Questions about powers of attorney in Connecticut
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Connecticut?
The court may appoint a conservator of the estate or of the person only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapable of managing their affairs or of caring for themselves, that this cannot be handled adequately without a conservator, and that a conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention available.
What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Connecticut?
$250 to file an application to appoint a conservator, temporary conservator or special limited conservator.
What are the alternatives to guardianship in Connecticut?
Durable or springing power of attorney; Health care representative and living will; Trust; Support services, technology and other help.