The Changing Face of Guardianship in Massachusetts
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
MCLE Conference Center, Ten Winter Place, Boston
Also available via live webcast and recording
MCLE Description:
Guardianship practice in Massachusetts has undergone a profound demographic shift, and the legal community must be prepared to respond. Today, an estimated 29,000 active guardianship cases and 6,000 active conservatorship cases in Massachusetts require ongoing court supervision. Even after entry of decree, these matters demand continuous oversight, including the preparation and filing of guardianship care plan reports and conservatorship probate accountings.
But the most striking development is demographic. The largest cohort of adults under guardianship in Massachusetts is now ages 26–35, followed closely by adults in the age range of 18–25. In other words, the vast majority of guardianships in the Commonwealth now involve young adults ages 18–35. Over the past fifteen years, guardianship has shifted dramatically away from an elder-law-dominated model to one centered on younger incapacitated individuals.
Agenda Highlights
- Nuances Involving Young Adults in Guardianship & Conservatorship
- Special Considerations Regarding Divorce Scenarios
- Post Emancipation Support & SSI
- Co-Fiduciary Disputed Over Guardianship Decision Making
- Solutions to Co-Fiduciary Disputes Over Guardianship and Conservatorship
- The Changing Face of Service Delivery For Young Adults 22-35
