When the conservatorship is approved, the judge signs a decree.
After that, there are a few other things you need to do.
Here's what you can do:
1. Ask the Court staff for a certified copy of the letter of appointment (this should be free).This states who the legal guardian is. Keep it for your records.
2. Send copies of the letter of appointment to all relevant parties - like relatives and banks.
3. Find all of your family member's accounts and transfer ownership to the conservator as needed.
4. The judge may ask you to submit a Financial Plan, which describes how the conservator will manage your family member's money. Click the links at the bottom of the page to download PDF copies of the forms and guidelines, including a sample form already filled out.
5. Within 90 days, you must file an Inventory of your family member's assets. Click the link at the bottom of the page to download instructions for completing conservator inventory.
6. File the Inventory in the Probate Court. Keep copies for your records and provide a copy to your family member.
7. Mark your calendar with a reminder to file an Annual Account. This summarizes your family member's assets. You have to file one every year. Click the button below to download the form.
Sources: Jackins (2010), MA Guardianship Association