Public Fiduciary

Mission

The Public Fiduciary's Office serves as the guardian and/or conservator for vulnerable adults after it is determined through a court process that the person is unable to make decisions due to incapacity. As the guardian, the office makes decisions for the person's placement and medical care. As the conservator, the office pays the person's bills and handles their financial affairs. The Public Fiduciary will only be appointed if there is no one else who is willing or able to serve in this capacity. 

The Public Fiduciary may also serve as a Personal Representative in probate cases. Again, the cases are referred to them when the decedent has no one else willing or able to serve.

SERVICES OFFERED

  • Referral Investigation
  • Case Management
  • Client Financial Services
  • Indigent Burials
  • Guardianships (persons and small estates under $10,000)
  • Conservatorships (assets of persons)
  • Decedent Estates (affairs of the deceased)

Referrals to an Intake Case Manager are made by different agencies and the Superior Court when there is a concern regarding a vulnerable adult. Preliminary information is gathered regarding the needs of the person. An investigation is initiated regarding whether the person is incapacitated and has no other option than guardianship and/or conservatorship. The Case Manager then determines whether the Public Fiduciary is the last resort.

CHARGES FOR SERVICES

  • Director/Attorney: $100 per hour
  • Case Manager/Legal Secretary: $40 per hour
  • Finance/Benefits/Bill Pay: $40 per hour