Home› Probate› Guardianship
Adult guardianship & conservatorship

Helping families care
for a loved one who can't care
for themselves.

When an adult can no longer make or communicate safe decisions about their health, safety, or finances, Georgia probate courts can appoint a guardian and/or a conservator to help. We guide petitioners through the process from filing to appointment.

Guardianship at a glance
Guardian vs. Conservator
A guardian manages the ward's personal care and welfare; a conservator manages the ward's property and finances. One person can serve as both, or two can be appointed.
Reporting
An initial report is due within 60 days (guardians) or 2 months (conservators) of appointment, with annual reports due every year after.
Surety Bond
Conservators must post a bond with the court to secure the faithful performance of their duties, in an amount set by the court.
Termination
The role ends automatically at the ward's death, or earlier by court order; formal discharge from the court is required to close it out.
Every situation is different. We'll give you a clear picture of what to expect for your loved one.

What we handle

What a guardian and
conservator do.

Georgia law sets out clear duties for anyone appointed to serve. Here's a short summary — the full picture is in the Georgia Council of Probate Court Judges' handbook, linked below.

Source: Handbook for Guardians and Conservators of Adults in Georgia, Georgia Council of Probate Court Judges / Paulding County Probate Court.

Before you petition

Guardianship isn't always
the first step.

Guardianship is one of the most restrictive tools available, and Georgia law directs courts to use the least restrictive option that will keep your loved one safe. Depending on the situation, one of these may accomplish what you need without a full guardianship or conservatorship.

Financial tools
  • Limited or joint bank accounts
  • Representative payee for Social Security or VA benefits
  • Financial power of attorney
  • Trusts, including special-needs and Miller trusts
Medical tools
  • Medical release of information forms
  • Georgia advance directive for health care
  • Alternative decision-maker status under Georgia law

We'll walk through your situation with you and help you decide whether one of these lighter-touch options fits, or whether guardianship or conservatorship is truly needed.

Common questions

Answers to what
families ask most.
What's the difference between a guardian and a conservator? +
A guardian is appointed to make decisions about a ward's personal health and safety. A conservator is appointed to manage the ward's property and finances. The court can appoint the same person to both roles, or two different people, depending on what's needed.
Does a guardianship take away all of a person's rights? +
No. The appointment of a guardian is not, by itself, a decision about the ward's right to vote or to make a will — those rights have to be separately addressed and removed by the court if that becomes necessary.
Is guardianship the only option for helping a loved one? +
No. Georgia law requires courts to use the least restrictive option available. Depending on the situation, a financial power of attorney, a representative payee arrangement, or an advance directive for health care may accomplish what's needed without a full guardianship or conservatorship.
How long does it take to get a guardian or conservator appointed? +
A standard petition typically takes more than a month to work through filing, evaluation, and a hearing. When there's an immediate, substantial risk to the person or their property, an emergency guardianship or conservatorship can sometimes be granted within a few days.
What is a guardian ad litem? +
A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed officer who reviews the parties and circumstances of the case and makes a report and recommendation to the court about what's in the proposed ward's best interest.
What does a guardian or conservator have to report to the court? +
Guardians must file a personal status report within 60 days of appointment and annually after that. Conservators must file an inventory and asset management plan within two months of appointment, plus annual returns accounting for the ward's property.

Pricing

Guardianship pricing,
starting at.

Pricing below reflects our typical fee for a straightforward, uncontested matter. Every situation is different — final pricing is always discussed with you before we begin.

Uncontested adult guardianship

Uncontested Adult Guardianship

Starting at $2,500
Plus court costs
Includes
  • 1-hour consultation with the attorney
  • Court filing, guardian ad litem, and court-appointed attorney fees (approx. $952 total)
  • We help you file the inventory, annual returns, and petition for discharge as they come due (filing fees billed separately each time)
Doesn't include
  • Additional fees for larger or more time-consuming estates
Pricing reflects our typical fee for a straightforward, uncontested guardianship and may vary based on the specifics of your case. We'll always discuss final pricing with you before we begin.

Resources

Helpful resources.

We're here to help you through this.

Reach out today — we'll walk you through the guardianship process.