AL'S PROBATE CORNER OTHER MATTERS While the administration of Wills, Trusts and Estates is its primary role, the Probate Court must also decide issues affecting people with special needs, including conservatorships for the elderly, guardians for minors, and for those suffering with mental illness. The law has recently changed in this area to protect the rights of individuals. A Probate Judge must determine before issuing an order, that there is no less restrictive way to handle the sensitive issues before the Court. For example, in lieu of a conservator, is a Power of Attorney, Designation of health care agent, and a living will sufficient? The decision should be what provides the best protection for the individual. The most common appointment is conservatorship of the elderly. There are two types-voluntary and involuntary. There are also two types of conservator - person (personal affairs) and estate (financial affairs). Voluntary simply requires the person to designate a conservator, but the Judge must still ensure that the person is comprehends the decision. For an involuntary appointment of conservator, the following is needed: Doctor's report indicating the need Judge's order that that individual is incapable of handling its financial or personal affairs. For more information, please visit IppolitoforProbate.com. AL IPPOLITO PROBATE JUDGE BRANFORD AND NORTH BRANFORD PAID FOR BY IPPOLITO FOR PROBATE, SANDRA KRAUS TREASURER. APPROVED BY AL IPPOLITO AL'S PROBATE CORNER OTHER MATTERS While the administration of Wills , Trusts and Estates is its primary role , the Probate Court must also decide issues affecting people with special needs , including conservatorships for the elderly , guardians for minors , and for those suffering with mental illness . The law has recently changed in this area to protect the rights of individuals . A Probate Judge must determine before issuing an order , that there is no less restrictive way to handle the sensitive issues before the Court . For example , in lieu of a conservator , is a Power of Attorney , Designation of health care agent , and a living will sufficient ? The decision should be what provides the best protection for the individual . The most common appointment is conservatorship of the elderly . There are two types - voluntary and involuntary . There are also two types of conservator - person ( personal affairs ) and estate ( financial affairs ) . Voluntary simply requires the person to designate a conservator , but the Judge must still ensure that the person is comprehends the decision . For an involuntary appointment of conservator , the following is needed : Doctor's report indicating the need Judge's order that that individual is incapable of handling its financial or personal affairs . For more information , please visit IppolitoforProbate.com . AL IPPOLITO PROBATE JUDGE BRANFORD AND NORTH BRANFORD PAID FOR BY IPPOLITO FOR PROBATE , SANDRA KRAUS TREASURER . APPROVED BY AL IPPOLITO