Adult Guardianship and Conservatorship Filings in Utah

In a Utah adult guardianship, the person the case is about must be represented by a lawyer, so the estate or elder law attorney's lead is the family member who filed the petition. That petitioner often has no attorney of their own. This summarizes the court's pages and is not legal advice.

Who can file?

For a conservatorship, Utah Courts says any adult interested in the respondent's estate, affairs, or welfare may file. For a guardianship, the person asking is called the petitioner. Both are filed at the district court for the county where the respondent lives or is present.

What must be proven?

For a guardianship the court says evidence must be "clear and convincing" that the respondent cannot receive and evaluate information, make and communicate decisions, or provide for basic needs, per its guardianship page. A conservatorship requires showing property is at risk of being harmed or funds are needed for support.

Who gets an attorney?

"Utah law requires that the respondent be represented by a lawyer," according to the guardianship page. The petitioner is not required to have one. That is why the petitioner is the lead.

What else is required?

A person must take a test about their authority and responsibilities and file a certificate of completion before being appointed conservator, per the conservatorship page. The respondent must be personally served and interested parties receive notice.

How many are filed?

In our own review of one sample week (September 28 to October 2, 2026), we counted roughly 12 adult guardianship cases, 9 minor guardianships, and 5 conservatorships. Those are our observations, not published statistics.

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