Guardianship and conservatorship in Maine: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Maine, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Guardian for an adult (full or limited), conservator (full or limited), protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship.
- Filing fee
- $90 to file a petition for appointment of a guardian; $90 for a conservator; $115 for a joined petition for guardian and conservator.
- Court
- Probate Court in the county.
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Guardian for an adult (full or limited), conservator (full or limited), protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship
- When a court may appoint one
The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the adult cannot meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with supportive services, technology or supported decision making; that a protective arrangement or other less restrictive alternative cannot meet the need; and that appointment is necessary or desirable. The court may not order a full guardianship if a limited one or a less restrictive alternative would work.
Law: 18-C M.R.S. § 5-301
- Kinds
- Full guardianship
- Limited guardianship
- Full or limited conservatorship
- Joined guardianship and conservatorship
- Emergency guardian or conservator
- Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship
Law: 18-C M.R.S. §§ 5-301, 5-302, 5-309
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
Any person interested in the adult's welfare, including the adult.
Law: 18-C M.R.S. § 5-302
- Court
Probate Court in the county.
- Choosing your own
You can nominate a guardian or conservator in a power of attorney or an advance health care directive. The court follows your most recent nomination in a power of attorney except for good cause or disqualification; your health care agent has the next priority.
Law: 18-C M.R.S. §§ 5-803(7), 5-908(1), 5-309
- Effect on a power of attorney
If a conservator is appointed, the agent must also account to the conservator. The power of attorney is not terminated and the agent's authority continues unless the court limits, suspends or ends it.
Law: 18-C M.R.S. § 5-908(2)
Cost, fee waiver and forms
- Filing fee
$90 to file a petition for appointment of a guardian; $90 for a conservator; $115 for a joined petition for guardian and conservator.
Law: 18-C M.R.S. § 1-602
- Fee waiver
Indigency-Financial Affidavit.
Source: Probate Court form AF-105
- Forms
- PP-201 Petition for Appointment of Guardian (Rev. 07-01-19)
- PP-205 Joined Petition for Guardian and Conservator (Rev. 07-01-19)
- PP-401 Petition for Appointment of Conservator (Rev. 07-01-19)
- PP-502 Guardianship Plan - Adult (Rev. 7-1-19)
- PP-505 Physician's or Psychologist's Report (Rev. 7-1-19)
- PP-601 Petition for Other Protective Arrangements (Rev. 7-1-19)
- AF-105 Indigency-Financial Affidavit (Rev. 11-12-20)
- Steps
Other options and where to report abuse
- Supported decision-making
Maine has no supported decision-making law.
- Less restrictive options
- Supported decision making: People the adult chooses help them understand and make their own decisions.
- Power of attorney for health care or finances: The adult names an agent while able to do so.
- Representative payee: A payee manages benefit payments.
- Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship: The court orders a specific, limited protection without appointing a guardian or conservator.
- Health care decisions by a family surrogate: Family members in priority order can make health care decisions without a court order.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services, Adult Protective Services · 1-800-624-8404
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Law: 18-C M.R.S. §§ 5-102, 5-301
Free help in Maine
- Legal Services for Maine Elders (helpline for people 60 and older) · 1-800-750-5353
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance
- Maine Probate Courts: official probate forms (Title 18-C)
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 18-C, Article 5 (guardianship, health care decisions, power of attorney)
- Find free legal aid at LawHelp.org
Report abuse or exploitation
Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services, Adult Protective Services · 1-800-624-8404
Questions about powers of attorney in Maine
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Maine?
The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the adult cannot meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with supportive services, technology or supported decision making; that a protective arrangement or other less restrictive alternative cannot meet the need; and that appointment is necessary or desirable.
What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Maine?
$90 to file a petition for appointment of a guardian; $90 for a conservator; $115 for a joined petition for guardian and conservator.
What are the alternatives to guardianship in Maine?
Supported decision making; Power of attorney for health care or finances; Representative payee; Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship; Health care decisions by a family surrogate.