Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Connecticut

Guardianship of a minor is handled by the Probate Court in the district where the child lives, is domiciled or is located. If a child has no parent or guardian, an adult relative, a person with physical custody of the child, or the child's lawyer may petition to appoint a guardian. To give guardianship to someone else while a parent is living, the same persons may petition to remove the parent as guardian; the court must find by clear and convincing evidence that the parent consents, abandoned the child, denied the child necessary care, or that the child was abused, among other grounds. A sole parent or guardian may also ask the court to appoint co-guardians.

Connecticut uses conservatorship for adults, handled by the Probate Court. The court may appoint a conservator of the person or of the estate only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is unable to care for himself or herself (or to manage his or her affairs) even with appropriate assistance, that needs cannot be met adequately without a conservator, and that a conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention available. The court must weigh factors including the person's abilities and preferences, and it must confirm the person was told of the right to a lawyer and is represented or has waived that right.