conservators

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Understanding DHS Background Checks for Minnesota Guardianships and Conservatorships 1024 621 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Understanding DHS Background Checks for Minnesota Guardianships and Conservatorships

One of the major changes over the past few years regarding Minnesota guardianships and Minnesota conservatorships has been an increase in frequency of background checks required by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS now requires these “Background Studies” to be completed by conservators and guardians every two years instead of every five years.  Background Study Requirements for Conservators and…

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traveling on the road
Is it Possible to Transfer a Guardianship or Conservatorship to Another State? 1024 768 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Is it Possible to Transfer a Guardianship or Conservatorship to Another State?

If you are moving to Minnesota and are acting as a fiduciary as part of a conservatorship or guardianship, it is possible to transfer your status as a conservator or guardian from your current state to one in Minnesota. The process isn’t overly complicated, but it involves navigating the legal…

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documents and a calculator
The Benefits of a Special Needs Trust 1024 697 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Benefits of a Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust is a special type of trust that people can set up in order to help secure the financial integrity of a protected person. This differs from a conservatorship, which is a position that a person can take in order to manage the financial assets of a…

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walking down the street
Reasons to step down as a Guardian or Conservator 1024 682 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Reasons to step down as a Guardian or Conservator

As a conservator or guardian, you hold a special responsibility to the person whose assets and major decisions that you control. This makes stepping down from being a conservator or guardian an incredibly difficult decision. Some people feel stuck in the position out of obligation for their duties, but this…

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nursing home
What to Know About Nursing Home Admission Agreements 1024 683 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

What to Know About Nursing Home Admission Agreements

Choosing to place a loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision and trying to find the right nursing home can be even more of a chore. Between the price, location and the amenities offered, choosing the right facility takes a lot of consideration and time. Once…

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woman signing contract
Can a Guardian or Conservator Be Replaced? 1024 689 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Can a Guardian or Conservator Be Replaced?

Can a guardian or conservator be replaced after they are appointed? Can they step down, relinquish their duties to a protected person or estate, or find another person to replace them? The answer to all of these questions is “yes”. If you are a protected person, you can, under certain…

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debt
Are Conservators Liable for Protected Person’s Debts? 1024 678 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Are Conservators Liable for Protected Person’s Debts?

When a person passes away, they often leave behind a collection of assets or a estate that is passed on to a set of beneficiaries. At times, they often leave behind debts that also need to resolved. The main questions that people have is who is responsible for paying them?…

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finances for conservator and guardian
The Costs of Conservatorships and Guardianships 1000 667 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Costs of Conservatorships and Guardianships

Setting up a conservatorship or guardianship comes with a few costs, most of which people don’t really expect when they begin thinking about appointing someone to the position. If you are thinking about appointing a guardian or conservator for a protected person, these are a few of the costs you…

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gavel and book
The Importance of Getting Discharged as a Fiduciary 1024 686 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Importance of Getting Discharged as a Fiduciary

As a fiduciary or guardian in Minnesota, it is a person’s responsibility to not only manage the assets of a person, it is also their responsibility to work with the courts and their attorney to close out their case when their duties are completed. There are many fiduciary roles in…

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alternatives
Are There Alternatives to Guardianships and Conservatorships? 1024 546 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Are There Alternatives to Guardianships and Conservatorships?

When a person is no longer able to take care of their personal health, day-to-day affairs, personal finances, or any other aspects of their life, it’s essential for their loved ones to help them set up a guardianship, conservatorship, or both. Guardianships are the best way to provide aid to…

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