A limited conservatorship is designed specifically for adults who, due to a developmental disability, have not achieved or maintained full cognitive function. In these cases, parents or other responsible individuals can petition the court for the authority to continue providing care and making important decisions on the individual’s behalf. This arrangement can apply to a range of situations—from those with significant disabilities who require round-the-clock support, to those who are largely capable of living independently but may still need protection from people who might exploit or manipulate them.
By contrast, a general conservatorship is usually sought for adults who at one time had the ability to make decisions and manage their affairs, but later experienced a loss of capacity—often due to an illness, injury, or age-related condition. When an individual loses cognition or the capacity to care for themselves, and has not put in place essential estate planning documents such as powers of attorney or trusts, a general conservatorship becomes the legal mechanism to ensure that person’s medical and financial needs are properly managed.
Both limited and general conservatorships derive their legal authority from specific sections of the probate code. Despite sharing the overarching goal of protecting individuals who cannot fully protect themselves, they address distinct circumstances and involve different legal procedures. Understanding these differences helps families and caregivers choose the right path for the person in need of support, whether that individual has never reached full cognition due to a developmental disability or once had capacity but later lost it.