What Accepting the Role Means
Becoming a conservator is more than agreeing to manage someone's money. By accepting, the conservator submits to the court's authority. The court then has power over any matter tied to the estate.
By accepting appointment, a conservator submits personally to the jurisdiction of the court in any proceeding relating to the estate that may be instituted by any interested person.
A.R.S. § 14-5413This means the court can require the conservator to appear and answer questions. It can demand accountings and responses to complaints. The conservator cannot later claim the court lacks authority.
How the Court Reaches the Conservator
The statute also sets out how notice must be sent. Any proceeding requires notice by registered or certified mail. The notice goes to the address listed in the original petition.
The petitioner must also send notice to the conservator's last known address. This two-step rule protects both sides.
The conservator gets proper warning before any court action. As a result, the conservator cannot dodge proceedings by failing to update contact details. Anyone with a real interest in the protected person's welfare can raise concerns with the court.