Cost of Conservatorship in Connecticut: Filing Fees, Attorney Costs, and Fee Waivers

Families researching conservatorship in Connecticut always ask the same question first: how much is this going to cost? The answer depends on whether the case is contested, how large the parent's estate is, and whether the family qualifies for fee waivers. But the minimum costs are knowable, and understanding them up front helps families make an informed decision about whether to pursue conservatorship or explore less expensive alternatives like a durable power of attorney.

The Base Costs You Can Count On

Probate court filing fee: $250. This covers the filing of Form PC-300 (involuntary conservatorship) or Form PC-301 (voluntary conservatorship). The fee is the same regardless of the type of petition or the value of the estate.

Court-appointed attorney fees: Connecticut law requires the probate court to appoint an independent attorney to represent the respondent (your parent) in any involuntary conservatorship proceeding. The attorney must meet with your parent, investigate the circumstances, and file Form PC-170A (Report of Court-Appointed Attorney). If the respondent is indigent, the current Probate Court schedule lists $58 per hour, with a $50 minimum billable amount; otherwise, fees are subject to court approval and may be charged to the respondent's estate.

Probate bond: The court usually requires the Conservator of the Estate to post a surety bond to protect the conserved person's assets. The bond amount is set by the court based on the estate's value, and the premium depends on the bond amount and the surety. The estate generally pays any required premium.

Your own attorney (optional but common): While you can file a conservatorship petition without an attorney, many families hire one — particularly if siblings disagree about who should serve as conservator or whether conservatorship is necessary at all. Connecticut elder law attorneys typically charge $300 to $550 per hour, and a straightforward conservatorship case often requires 5 to 15 hours of attorney time.

Ongoing Costs After Appointment

Conservatorship isn't a one-time expense. The conservator has continuing obligations that generate costs:

Financial accountings: The Conservator of the Estate must file detailed financial accountings with the probate court at least every three years (some judges require annual filings). If you hire an accountant or attorney to prepare these, their professional fees depend on the work required and are separate from court filing fees.

Conservator compensation: Connecticut allows conservators to charge reasonable fees for their services, paid from the conserved person's estate. Family member conservators often waive compensation, but professional conservators charge hourly rates regulated by the probate court.

Annual bond premiums: If the court requires a surety bond, its premium is generally due annually for as long as the bond remains in force.

Petition fees for major decisions: A conservator cannot sell the parent's home, terminate a lease, or change the parent's residence without first filing Form PC-303 and getting court approval. Each petition may involve additional court fees and attorney costs.

The Fee Waiver Option

For families where the parent's assets are minimal, Connecticut offers fee waivers through Form PC-184A (Request for Waiver of Fees). If the court determines that the respondent is indigent or otherwise unable to pay, the $250 filing fee may be waived. An appointed attorney for an indigent respondent is paid under the Probate Court's compensation guidelines.

The fee waiver doesn't cover everything. Your own attorney's fees, any required probate bond premium, and ongoing accounting costs are not covered by the filing-fee waiver. The appointed attorney's compensation is handled under the court's indigency guidelines.

Cost Comparison: POA vs. Conservatorship

The cost difference between advance planning and court intervention is stark:

For a family with a cooperative parent who still has capacity, the POA path costs under $100 and takes an afternoon. For a family that missed the planning window, conservatorship is a multi-thousand-dollar process that takes months and never really ends — the court oversight continues as long as the conservatorship is active.

Contested Cases: Where Costs Escalate

If siblings disagree about who should be conservator, or if one family member opposes the conservatorship altogether, costs can escalate dramatically. Contested hearings involve:

• Attorney fees for both sides (the petitioner's attorney and any opposing party's attorney)
• Potential expert witness fees (geriatric psychiatrists, forensic accountants)
• Multiple court appearances and continuances
• Guardian ad litem fees if the court appoints one

Contested conservatorship cases in Connecticut can become substantially more expensive than uncontested cases, particularly when multiple attorneys, expert witnesses, hearings, and continuances are involved. This is another reason why advance planning with a POA — ideally completed before family conflicts about care have hardened — saves families enormous expense.

The Connecticut Power of Attorney & Guardianship Kit walks families through both the voluntary POA path and the conservatorship process, including cost worksheets and the fee waiver application.

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