How should a conservator respond to a request for financial assistance from a conservatee?

A conservator has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the conservatee while also safeguarding their assets. When faced with a request for financial assistance, the conservator must carefully evaluate the situation to ensure that any decision made aligns with the conservatee's needs and best interests.

Consulting with professionals before making a decision allows the conservator to gain insight into the conservatee's financial situation and the implications of providing funds. This may include reviewing the conservatee’s overall financial status, assessing whether the funds requested are necessary, and determining if providing that assistance would adversely affect their financial security or wellbeing in the long term. This process helps to validate that the decision is made based on a thorough understanding of the conservatee's circumstances.

Other approaches, such as providing funds directly without evaluation, may lead to unintended consequences, including financial mismanagement or jeopardizing the conservatee's long-term stability. Encouraging independence by denying the request outright might disregard legitimate needs that the conservatee has. Automatically approving requests could lead to irresponsible financial practices and ultimately harm the conservatee’s assets over time. Therefore, consulting with professionals strikes a balance of care and responsibility, ensuring informed and prudent decision-making.