Guardianship and conservatorship in the District of Columbia: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in the District of Columbia, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Guardian (general, limited, temporary, emergency, health-care) and conservator; the case is an 'intervention proceeding' (INT)
- Filing fee
- $45.00 payable to the Register of Wills if a conservator or protective order is requested.
- Court
- Probate Division, D.C. Superior Court, 515 Fifth Street NW.
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Guardian (general, limited, temporary, emergency, health-care) and conservator; the case is an 'intervention proceeding' (INT)
- When a court may appoint one
The petitioner must prove incapacity by clear and convincing evidence. An incapacitated individual is an adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information or communicate decisions is impaired so much that they cannot manage all or some of their financial resources or meet all or some essential requirements for health or safety. The court must choose the guardianship that is least restrictive in duration and scope and encourage maximum self-reliance and independence.
Law: D.C. Code §§ 21-2003, 21-2011(11); § 21-2044(a)
- Kinds
- General guardian
- Limited guardian
- Temporary guardian
- Emergency guardian (up to 21 days)
- Health-care guardian (up to 90 days)
- Conservator
- Protective order / single transaction
Law: D.C. Code §§ 21-2041 to 21-2077
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
The incapacitated individual or any person interested in their welfare.
Law: D.C. Code § 21-2041(a)
- Court
Probate Division, D.C. Superior Court, 515 Fifth Street NW
- Choosing your own
In a power of attorney you can nominate a conservator of your estate or guardian of your person; except for good cause or disqualification, the court must follow your most recent nomination.
Law: D.C. Code §§ 21-2601.08(a), 21-2043(b)
- Effect on a power of attorney
If a conservator or other fiduciary for your property is appointed, the power of attorney does not end; the agent becomes accountable to that fiduciary as well as to you, and the agent's authority continues unless the court limits, suspends or ends it.
Law: D.C. Code § 21-2601.08(b)
Cost, fee waiver and forms
- Filing fee
$45.00 payable to the Register of Wills if a conservator or protective order is requested.
Source: D.C. Courts, Intervention Proceedings page
- Fee waiver
Fee Waiver Application, D.C. Courts
Source: Application to Waive Prepayment of Costs
- Forms
- Petition for a General Proceeding (INT)
- Order Appointing Counsel, Examiner, Visitor and/or Guardian ad Litem (INT)
- Notice of Initial Hearing to Subject (INT)
- Notice of Initial Hearing to Other Persons (INT)
- Personal Identification Information (Form 26)
- Financial Account Information (Form 27)
- Fee Waiver Application
- Steps
Other options and where to report abuse
- Supported decision-making
Supported Decision-Making Agreements
Effective May 5, 2018
An adult with a disability can sign an agreement with a supporter who helps them get information, understand options and communicate their own decisions. The agreement states that it does not give the supporter permission to make decisions for the person. A paid health care or disability service provider (unless a relative), a government worker financially responsible for the person's care, and people with certain abuse or crime histories cannot be supporters.
Signed by the adult with a disability and the supporter in the presence of two adult witnesses or a notary public, in substantially the form in § 7-2132(d).
Source: Official text
- Less restrictive options
- Limited guardian: A guardian whose powers the court limits and lists on the letters of guardianship.
- Protective order or single transaction: Instead of a conservator, the court can authorize a protective arrangement or a single transaction.
- Supported decision-making agreement: A signed agreement naming a supporter who helps an adult with a disability make their own decisions.
- Durable power of attorney and durable power of attorney for health care: Documents you sign while you have capacity naming people to act for you.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Adult Protective Services, D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living (24-hour hotline) · 202-541-3950
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Law: D.C. Code §§ 7-2131, 7-2132; D.C. Law 22-93
Free help in the District of Columbia
- Probate Self-Help Center, D.C. Superior Court (515 Fifth Street NW, Room 314)
- D.C. Courts: Intervention Proceedings (adult guardianship and conservatorship)
- Find free legal aid at LawHelp.org
Report abuse or exploitation
Adult Protective Services, D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living (24-hour hotline) · 202-541-3950
Questions about powers of attorney in the District of Columbia
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in the District of Columbia?
The petitioner must prove incapacity by clear and convincing evidence. An incapacitated individual is an adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information or communicate decisions is impaired so much that they cannot manage all or some of their financial resources or meet all or some essential requirements for health or safety.
What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in the District of Columbia?
$45.00 payable to the Register of Wills if a conservator or protective order is requested.
What are the alternatives to guardianship in the District of Columbia?
Limited guardian; Protective order or single transaction; Supported decision-making agreement; Durable power of attorney and durable power of attorney for health care.