Conservatorships
Supporting families through the conservatorship process with care, clarity, and understanding—helping you make confident decisions for your loved one as they transition into adulthood.
What is a Conservatorship?
A conservatorship is a legal arrangement that allows a parent, guardian, or trusted loved one to continue helping an adult child with important life decisions after they turn 18.
In Tennessee, once a child becomes a legal adult, parents no longer automatically have the authority to make medical, financial, educational, or legal decisions on their behalf — even if that child has significant intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
A conservatorship gives families a legal way to continue providing support and protection when needed.
Every individual is different, and conservatorships can be tailored to fit a person’s unique abilities and level of independence. In many cases, the goal is not to take away independence, but to ensure that a vulnerable adult has the support necessary to stay safe, healthy, and cared for.
I work closely with families to guide them through the conservatorship process with compassion, clarity, and an understanding of the unique challenges that can come with caring for a loved one with special needs.
Who May Need a Conservatorship?
Many families with a special needs child begin exploring conservatorship as their child approaches their 18th birthday. While every situation is unique, conservatorships are commonly considered for individuals who need assistance with daily living activities and are unable to care for themselves without assistance.
This may include individuals who have been diagnosed with:
Autism spectrum disorder
Down syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disabilities
Cerebral palsy
Traumatic brain injuries
Significant cognitive impairments
Mental health conditions that affect decision-making abilities
Why Families Begin the Conservatorship Process Before Age 18
What Can Happen If You Do Not Have a Conservatorship?
Many parents are surprised to learn that once their child turns 18, schools, doctors, and financial institutions may no longer be able to communicate with them without legal authorization.
Even when a parent has always managed appointments, therapies, medications, and educational planning, those rights can change immediately upon adulthood.
Beginning the conservatorship process before or shortly after a child’s 18th birthday can help families avoid delays and maintain continuity of care during an important transition period.
Planning ahead can provide peace of mind and help ensure that parents are able to continue supporting and advocating for their loved one when it matters most.
Not every individual with special needs requires a conservatorship. However, when legal protections are needed and no conservatorship is in place, families can face unexpected challenges.
Without legal authority, parents or caregivers may be unable to:
Speak with doctors about medical treatment
Access medical or educational records
Assist with financial decisions
Manage government benefits
Sign legal paperwork
Advocate during emergencies or crises
This can create confusion and unnecessary stress during situations where quick decisions are important.
Families often pursue a conservatorship not because they want control, but because they want to continue helping their loved one navigate adulthood safely and successfully. Although other options like Supportive Decision Making are available, they do NOT provide the same legal protections like a Conservatorship.
Compassionate Guidance Through the Conservatorship Process
Explaining conservatorship options clearly
Determining whether conservatorship is appropriate
Preparing and filing legal documents
Guiding families through the Tennessee court process
Providing personalized support throughout the process
If your child with special needs is approaching adulthood, now is the time to begin planning for the future.
The conservatorship process can feel overwhelming, especially during a major life transition. I help families understand their options, navigate the legal process, and move forward with confidence.