Conflicts and Theft: The Ethical Obligations of Revealing Conflicts of Interest and the Illegal Conduct of the Client

Mr. Burns, First Assistant Director with the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility, will address the attorney's responsibilities when the guardian/conservator client lies to the court or has stolen the ward/protected person's monies. He will also cover the new statutory obligation of court appointed attorneys to reveal conflicts of interest to the court and parties.

- Patrick R. Burns

So Many Claims/So Little Money!

Ms. Peterson will discuss creditor claims in conservatorships. How are claims presented? What does the conservator need to do upon receiving a claim? What happens when there is not enough money to pay all the claims?

- Susan T. Peterson

The Money's Gone - Now What? Surcharging the Bond

Mr. Crist will tell you what a surety bond is, the common events that trigger a bond claim, how to petition the court for a surcharge, who defends the conservator on the surcharge claim, and what happens after a bond is surcharged.

- James M. Crist

Elimination of Bias: Understanding and Working with Clients of Diminished Capacity with Regard to Decision Making

When a guardian has been appointed, there is a general assumption that the ward loses the right to exercise choice. But is it true? Are there levels of capacity? Are there corresponding levels of choice? Whose choice is it? Dr. William B. Orr will separate the myths from the facts and help practitioners overcome the biases that arise when a client has been declared to have diminished capacity.

- Dr. William B. Orr

Civil Commitment: What Is It And How Does It Relate to Guardianship?

Ms. Jensen will speak on civil commitments and how they relate to guardianships. Discussion will include the procedure and proof needed to get someone committed, how a commitment differs from a guardianship, is guardianship really the least restrictive alternative, should a ward be committed and when would that be favored, and the related issue of forced medications.

- Mary Ferris Jensen

Elimination of Bias: Tips for Communicating with Incapacitated Persons

Licensed social worker Mary McGurran will share her expertise on recognizing dementia and mental illness and also provide tips for communicating with incapacitated clients (or their family members).

- Mary McGurran