If a person is substantially unable to handle his or her financial affairs because either minority (under age eighteen), mental illness or deficiency, physical illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs or alcohol, confinement or disappearance, it may be possible to establish a conservatorship/guardianship through the Probate Court for the protection of that person or his or her assets. 

A conservatorship action involves the management of financial affairs of property of an alleged incapacitated adult or for a minor.  In either situation the court must determine that there are assets or property requiring management or protection which cannot otherwise be provided.  The responsibilities of the conservator are to manage and protect the property of the incapacitated person.  He or she must report to the court on a periodic basis regarding the status of the assets, receipts and disbursements of the estate.