What Interested Parties Can Request
A conservatorship is not a set-it-and-forget-it arrangement. After a conservator is appointed, anyone with a legitimate interest in the protected person's estate can return to court. The statute lays out several specific types of relief that can be requested.
Any person interested in the estate or affairs of a person for whom a conservator has been appointed may file a petition in the appointing court for an order: 1. Requiring bond or security or additional bond or security, or reducing bond. 2. Requiring an accounting for the administration of the estate of the protected person. 3. Directing distribution. 4. Removing the conservator and appointing a temporary or successor conservator.
A.R.S. § 14-5416(A)(1-4)This includes continuing the conservatorship when appropriate and requesting any other relief the court deems proper. The range of available petitions gives families and interested parties meaningful tools to ensure the conservator stays accountable.
When the Conservator Needs Guidance
The statute also works in the other direction. A conservator who is uncertain about their duties can petition the court for instructions. This is an important safeguard. Rather than guessing and risking a mistake, the conservator can get clear direction from the court before acting.
After proper notice and a hearing, the court can issue whatever instructions or orders it considers appropriate. If a surety on the conservator's bond wants to be released from future liability, they can apply to the court through a process similar to the one used for personal representative bonds under section 14-3604.
For families, this statute is a reminder that court oversight does not stop at the initial appointment. The system is designed to allow ongoing accountability, and experienced estate planning counsel can help navigate the petition process when concerns arise about how an estate is being managed.