Which Situation Are You Facing?
Guardianship and conservatorship cases often begin during a crisis, when a family member can no longer make safe decisions or manage important financial matters. Select the situation that best describes your circumstances to learn more about the available options.
A loved one may be at immediate risk because of untreated medical needs, unsafe living conditions, exploitation, or an inability to make urgent decisions. Learn when an emergency guardianship may be appropriate and what must be shown to obtain temporary authority.
When an adult cannot adequately understand or communicate decisions about medical care, housing, or personal safety, a court may appoint a guardian. Learn how Arizona courts evaluate incapacity and whether less restrictive alternatives may be sufficient.
A conservatorship may be necessary when an adult cannot protect their property, pay expenses, manage investments, or avoid financial exploitation. Learn what authority a conservator may receive and what ongoing court supervision is required.
Guardianship proceedings can become contested when relatives disagree about incapacity, placement, medical care, finances, or who should serve. These disputes often require legal representation, evidence, and careful preparation for court.
Concerns may arise when a fiduciary fails to provide appropriate care, misuses funds, withholds information, ignores court orders, or acts against the protected person’s interests. Arizona courts may review the fiduciary’s conduct, impose restrictions, or appoint a replacement.
Some families are able to complete a routine guardianship proceeding without hiring an attorney. Our filing guides explain commonly required documents, notices, evaluations, hearings, and post-appointment responsibilities.
View the Guardianship Filing Guide
Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings can affect a person’s independence, medical care, living arrangements, and property. When the matter involves an emergency, an objection, suspected exploitation, or disagreement about who should serve, obtaining legal advice before filing may prevent costly mistakes.
When Legal Counsel May Be Necessary
Some guardianship and conservatorship matters can proceed without significant conflict. Others involve disputed facts, urgent risks, or legal issues that can become difficult to correct after filing. Speaking with an experienced Arizona guardianship attorney may be particularly important in the following situations.
Arizona Guardianship & Conservatorship
Arizona guardianship and conservatorship proceedings affect fundamental decisions about a person’s health, living arrangements, finances, and independence. This site provides practical information for Arizona families and fiduciaries navigating court appointments, emergency proceedings, contested cases, and post-appointment responsibilities.
This site contains guardianship and conservatorship resources, tools, templates, and thoughts that can help you wherever you are in Arizona. Our hope is to lessen the fear and uncertainty surrounding the guardianship appointment process.
Arizona Guardianship Law is an educational resource published by Spencer Wilkinson, an Arizona attorney with JacksonWhite Law. Legal services are provided through JacksonWhite Law.
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Client Success Stories
"We are out-of-state clients and had practically given up trying to find a good law firm that deals with Guardianship and Conservatorship matters. At Jackson White Law, they gave us an appointment the next day. They were up and running within the week. We were so relieved.
Their work is excellent. They are timely. They have a wonderful team working on your behalf. I can't say enough good things about this firm. Knowing you have help and guidance by seasoned professionals is priceless."
"Excellent law firm. Colton Johnston and Spencer Wilkinson were able to translate the probate court system into language that can be understood. The process was stressful, but my brother and I were supported through it all. I have a long way to go before my job as Conservator is done. I have every confidence they will support me every way they are able to. From helping to setting up Surety Bonds to filing required court reports. I know solid advice is always available from them."
"This team did a great job of presenting a Petition to the court that was approved by the Judge returning financial powers to a Professional Estate Management Firm of our choice. All the hearings and even the Scheduled Trial was arranged so both myself (out of State) and Mr. Wilkinson (in Mesa) were able to appear remote, saving us thousands of dollars. We are very satisfied with the result allowing us to now get some much-needed medical attention to my Brother."
