Guardianship and Conservatorship
St. Louis Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorneys
When a minor or an adult can no longer manage their own personal affairs or finances, Missouri law provides for the court appointment of a guardian, a conservator, or both. These proceedings involve significant responsibility and court oversight. With more than 20 years handling guardianship and conservatorship matters throughout the St. Louis area, O’Gorman and Sandroni help families and appointed fiduciaries navigate both the initial appointment process and the ongoing obligations that follow.
Guardianship vs. Conservatorship
A guardian is appointed to make personal and healthcare decisions for a minor or an incapacitated adult, while a conservator is appointed to manage that person’s financial affairs and property. The same individual can serve both roles, or the court can appoint different people for each, depending on what best serves the ward’s interests.
Petitioning for Appointment
Establishing a guardianship or conservatorship requires filing a petition, obtaining medical or professional evaluations documenting incapacity, and appearing before the probate division of the circuit court. We prepare and present these petitions and help prospective guardians and conservators understand their ongoing reporting and accounting obligations once appointed.
Disputes and Oversight
Family disagreement over who should serve as guardian or conservator, or concerns that an appointed fiduciary is not acting in the ward’s best interest, can lead to contested proceedings. We represent petitioners, respondents, and wards in these disputes, and assist with removal or modification proceedings when circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any competent adult can petition to serve, though Missouri courts consider factors such as the proposed guardian’s relationship to the ward, their ability to fulfill the role, and any potential conflicts of interest before making an appointment.
A guardianship for a minor typically ends when the minor turns 18. A guardianship or conservatorship for an incapacitated adult continues until the court determines it is no longer necessary or the ward passes away.
Conservators must manage the ward’s assets prudently, keep detailed financial records, and typically file periodic accountings with the probate court demonstrating how the ward’s funds were used.
Since 1985 Sean O’Gorman and Andrew Sandroni have been representing clients in all areas of the law. O’Gorman & Sandroni, P.C. was founded in 1989 on the principles of honesty, integrity, and the aggressive pursuit of our client’s goals.