Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator

There are all sorts of forms executors, beneficiaries, and probate court clerks have to fill out and correspond with during probate and estate settlement, including affidavits, letters, petitions, summons, orders, and notices.

Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator is a commonly used form within Arizona. Here’s an overview of what the form is and means, including a breakdown of the situations when (or why) you may need to use it:

Atticus Fast Facts About Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator

Sometimes it’s tough to find a quick summary— here’s the important details you should know about Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator:

• This form pertains to the State of Arizona

Government forms are not typically updated often, though when they are, it often happens rather quietly. While Atticus works hard to keep this information about Arizona’s Form pbc10hz - Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator up to date, certain details can change from time-to-time with little or no communication.

Step 1 - Download the correct Arizona form based on the name and ID if applicable

Double check that you have both the correct form name and the correct form ID. Some Arizona probate forms can look remarkably similar, so it’s best to double, even triple-check that you’re using the right one! Keep in mind that not all States have a standardized Form ID system for their probate forms.

Step 2 - Complete the Document

Fill out all relevant fields in Form pbc10hz, take a break, and then review. Probate and estate settlement processes in AZ are long enough to begin with, and making a silly error can push your timeline even farther back. No thank you!

Note: If you don’t currently know all of the answers and are accessing Form pbc10hz online, be sure to avoid closing the browser tab and potentially losing all your progress (or use a platform like Atticus to help avoid making mistakes).

Step 3 - Have Form pbc10hz witnessed or notarized (if required)

Some States and situations require particular forms to be notarized. If you have been instructed to get the document notarized or see it in writing on the document, then make sure to hire a local notary. There are max notary fees in the United States that are defined and set by local law. Take a look at our full guide to notary fees to make sure you aren’t overpaying or getting ripped off.

Step 4 - Submit Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator to the relevant office

This is most often the local probate court where the decedent (person who passed away) is domiciled (permanently resides) or the institution involved with this particular form (e.g. a bank). Some offices allow you to submit forms online, other’s don’t, and we while we generally recommend going in-person to expedite the process, sometimes that simply isn’t an option.

It’s also a generally good idea to establish a positive working relationship with any probate clerk (unfortunately there’s enough people & process out there making things more difficult and unnecessarily confusing for them), so a best practice is to simply ask the probate clerk proactively exactly how and where they’d prefer you to submit all forms.

Need help getting in touch with a local probate court or identifying a domicile probate jurisdiction?

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Different probate forms or processes can require different deadlines or response times for completing the appropriate form.

While some steps in the process are bound to specific deadlines (like petitioning for probate, having to submit an inventory of assets, or filing applicable notices to creditors and beneficiaries), many probate forms or processes are not tied to a specific deadline since the scope of work can vary based on situational factors or requirements involved.

Either way, there are a bunch of practical reasons why personal representatives should work to complete each step as thoroughly and quickly as possible when completing probate in Arizona.

5 reasons you should submit pbc10hz as quickly as possible:

1. The sooner you begin, the faster Arizona can allow heirs and beneficiaries to get their share of assets subject to probate. Acting promptly can also decrease the costs & overall mental fatigue through an otherwise burdensome process.
   
   Helpful Context: What’s the Difference Between Probate and Non-Probate Assets?

2. In general, creditors of an estate usually have around 3-6 months from the time you file notice to creditors to file any claims for debt against the deceased’s assets. If they don’t, then that debt is forfeited (and more importantly, the executor won’t be held personally responsible). So doing this sooner means you have a better idea of who is owed what and ensures you won’t get a surprise collector months later.

3. Not filing a will within 30 days (on average) could mean that the probate process proceeds according to intestate laws (laws that govern what happens to someone's stuff without a will) or is subject to unnecessary supervision by the probate court. And if you aren't directly related to the deceased (a.k.a. next of kin), this could also mean you lose your inheritance.

4. It’s important to file any necessary state tax returns on behalf of the deceased or estate by the following tax season in Arizona. If you don’t, you could owe penalties and interest. This also includes any necessary federal tax returns such as Forms 1040, 1041, or even a Form 706 estate tax return.

5. If a house in the State of Arizona is left empty (or abandoned) for a while, insurance can get dicey. For example, if the house burns down and no one has been there for a year, an insurance company may get out of paying your claim.

If you’re not using Atticus to get specific forms, deadlines, and timelines for Arizona probate, then try and stay as organized as possible, pay close attention to the dates mentioned in any correspondence you have with the State’s government officials, call the local Arizona probate clerk or court for exact answers regarding Form pbc10hz, and when in doubt— consult a qualified trust & estates lawyer for that area.

Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator is one of the many probate court forms available for download through Atticus.

It may also be available through some Arizona probate court sites, such as . In order to access the latest version, be updated with any revisions, and get full instructions on how to complete each form, check out the Atticus Probate & Estate Settlement software or consider hiring a qualified legal expert locally within Arizona.

While Atticus automatically provides the latest forms, be sure to choose the correct version of Form pbc10hz - Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator f using any other site or resource in order to avoid having to re-complete the form process and/or make another trip to the Arizona probate court office.

Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator is a .pdf, so opening it should be as simple as clicking “View Form” from within the Atticus app or by clicking the appropriate link found on any Arizona-provided government platform. Once you’ve opened the form, you should be able to directly edit the form before saving or printing.

Here’s the text, verbatim, that is found on Arizona Form pbc10hz - Information About The Role And Responsibilities Of A Conservator. You can use this to get an idea of the context of the form and what type of information is needed.

SELF-SERVICE CENTER INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CONSERVATOR I. ROLE of the CONSERVATOR Your role as the Conservator is to listen to the protected person and ensure that their preferences are being met as long as it does not cause harm. As a court-appointed conservator, you are also required to file reports with the court which provide an account of the protected person’s finances. Your authority as the conservator is derived from the court order you received, state law, (Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 14-5418, 5419), the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure (Rule 38), and the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration (AJCA § 3-302, Forms). The forms, schedules, and worksheets listed in the ACJA are the required forms pursuant to Rule 38(B) Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure. A. DECISIONMAKER Your role as the conservator places you in a position to make decisions for the protected person in one of two ways; using either substituted judgment or the best interest standard. It is never easy to make a decision for another adult that goes against their wishes, but you must keep in mind that your friend or family member no longer has the ability to truly understand the consequences of their decision. This is why the court appointed you as the conservator – to make the tough decisions. You need to remember that if you make a decision that is in contrast to the stated or demonstrated preferences of the protected person, you should be prepared to defend that position. 1. SUBSTITUTED JUDGMENT: means making the decision that the protected person would make if they had the capacity to do so. When making decisions using substituted judgment, you have an obligation to discuss with the protected person the decision you are going to make. To the extent that the protected person can understand the issue at hand, you have an obligation to discuss the decision you are going to make with the protected person, and listen to their preferences in that situation. For example, if you believe it would be appropriate to liquidate an asset belonging to the protected person; you should discuss this with them. Try to put it in terms that they have the ability to understand. Discuss the benefits and the consequences of the decision you are about to make. Listen to their preferences and the reason for making the decision. When using substituted judgment, it is also helpful to talk to other family members or friends about conversations they have had with the protected person. As Conservator, it is important to consider the following. Has the protected person ever talked about their preference for liquidation of their assets? Did they want that particular asset to be ©Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County PBC10h 041514 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Page 1 of 3 set aside as a gift for a friend or family member? Your job is to determine what their preferences were when they were still capable of making those decisions. 2. BEST INTEREST STANDARD: means exercising reasonable care, diligence and prudence when making decisions for the protected person. To the extent that the protected person’s wishes, preferences and values are not known and cannot be ascertained with reasonable diligence, then the Conservator must act in accordance with the person's best interests. For example, with a person who has been disabled since birth or in situations where the protected person’s preferences may cause harm or serious injury, your decision would be based on what you believe to be in the protected person’s best interest. Another example is a Conservator of a minor who has the role of acting as a parent regarding the protected person's support, care, education, health, and welfare; and must act at all times in the protected person's best interest using reasonable care, diligence, and prudence. B. CONFIDENTIALITY As Conservator, another role you have is maintaining the protected person’s confidential information. Confidential information concerning the protected person is information on documents (or the entire document) that is intended to be kept secret. Confidential information is not available to the public for inspection. 1. Confidential information includes: o A social security number of a living person; o Any account number for a financial account (unless limited to the last 4 digits only). The term “financial account” includes  credit card account  debit card account  bank account  brokerage account  insurance policy  annuity contract o Any other information determined by the court to be confidential. 2. Confidential documents include: o The probate information coversheet o Medical reports and records o Budgets filed o Inventories and appraisements o Accountings o Credit report 3. Special Handling of Confidential Information and Confidential Documents All Form 5 information, documents and attachments are confidential and require special handling. When filing confidential information and documents with the Clerk’s Office, place the original document in an envelope that bears the case name and number, the name of the document being filed, the name of the party filing the document, and the label “Confidential Document.” ©Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County PBC10h 041514 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Page 2 of 3 II. RESPONSIBILITIES of a CONSERVATOR Your responsibilities as a conservator begin on the date of your appointment, whether it is a temporary or permanent appointment. The conservator has the responsibility to manage the assets of the protected person as a prudent person would. In other words, the conservator must ensure that the money and assets of the protected person are used only for the benefit of the protected person. The conservator must ensure that the assets of the protected person are invested properly and appropriately to maintain the protected person’s current living circumstances. A. FIRST PRIORITY: REVIEW the entire Conservatorship Training Module on the Arizona State Court website. The Training Module explains in greater detail, each responsibility outlined below. 1. Post the surety bond. 2. Obtain certified copies of your letters of Appointment from the Probate Court Clerk. 3. Record the Letters of Appointment at one (or more) County Recorders’ office. 4. File a “Notice of Filing” with the court to show the court you recorded the Letters of Appointment. B. MARSHAL AND PROTECT ASSETS OF THE ESTATE. The court wants you take control of the Protected Person’s assets, on behalf of and for the benefit of the conservatorship estate. There are a number of ways to marshal and protect assets of the estate: 1. Meet with the Protected Person’s financial institution(s) to share information about your Conservatorship. C. INVENTORY the Protected Person’s assets. D. CREATE a nine (9) month ESTATE BUDGET for the 1 st year reporting period. E. FILE at the Court the Inventory and Budget with Form PBC95f in this packet. F. RECORDKEEPING: 1. ORGANIZE the Protected Person’s records. 2. MAINTAIN Protected Person’s records. G. NOTIFY COURT, Service Providers and the U.S. Postal Service of the change of Protected Person’s address to your address. III. SUMMARY Your roles and responsibilities as the Conservator involve important legal obligations. To fulfill these obligations, regularly review the Conservator and Fiduciary training guides found on the Arizona State Court’s website. ©Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County PBC10h 041514 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Page 3 of 3