How Much Does Guardianship Cost in Connecticut?

The Base Filing Fee

A standard guardianship or conservatorship petition in Connecticut carries a $250 statutory filing fee, set under C.G.S. § 45a-106a.

If you're filing Form PC-7007 (authority to manage finances under $10,000) alongside the guardianship application, there's no additional filing fee when it's attached to the initial PC-700 petition.

Fee Waivers for Low-Income Families

Connecticut provides a fee waiver path for families who can't afford the filing costs. File Form PC-184 (petitioner) or Form PC-184A (other than petitioner) to request a complete waiver of court fees, recording fees, and state-appointed attorney costs.

The financial eligibility threshold: the individual's counted assets must not exceed the Title XIX Medicaid limit, which is currently $1,600. Check the current threshold and the applicable fee-waiver rules when you file.

Attorney Costs

This is where the numbers vary dramatically. Connecticut special-needs planning attorneys charge $300 to $600 per hour. What you'll actually spend depends on the complexity of the case:

Uncontested guardianship (family agrees, no disputes): $1,500 to $3,000 for petition preparation, court appearance, and basic filing. Some attorneys offer flat-fee packages for straightforward cases.

Contested proceedings (disagreement about whether guardianship is needed, who should serve, or the scope of authority): $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the number of hearings, expert testimony, and discovery.

Planning packages (POA, health care representative, HIPAA releases, and guardianship petition bundled): $2,000 to $5,000 from a private special-needs attorney.

You're not required to hire a private attorney. Many families file pro se (on their own) for uncontested guardianships, particularly when the process is straightforward and all family members agree. The probate court clerks can provide forms and scheduling information, though they cannot offer legal advice.

Clinical Evaluation Costs

Guardianship (IQ ≤ 69 track): the DDS evaluation is free. The court orders the Department of Developmental Services to assess the individual, and the state covers the cost. The evaluator submits their findings on Form PC-770A.

Conservatorship (IQ ≥ 70 track): you pay for a private physician's evaluation. A Connecticut-licensed doctor must examine the individual within 45 days prior to the hearing and submit Form PC-370. The professional fee varies by physician and the complexity of the evaluation.

Service of Process

A state marshal, constable, or indifferent person must personally serve the respondent with the petition and hearing notice at least ten days before the hearing. Service costs vary by district and by the person performing service.

You'll also need to provide written notice to other family members (spouse, parents, adult children, siblings) as required for the proceeding.

Probate Bonds

If the court appoints a conservator of the estate, the conservator must post a probate bond (Form PC-480) as a safeguard against financial mismanagement. Bond amounts and premiums are case-specific; confirm them with the probate court or surety.

The bond requirement can be waived if all interested parties sign a waiver, or if the estate's assets are under $10,000.

Court-Appointed Attorney for the Respondent

The probate court must appoint independent counsel for the respondent in all involuntary proceedings. If the respondent is indigent, the Probate Court Administration Fund covers the attorney's fees. Ask the probate court how appointed-counsel fees are handled in other cases.

Ongoing Costs After Appointment

Guardianship and conservatorship aren't one-time expenses. The fiduciary has ongoing reporting obligations:

• Annual well-being reports (guardianship): time to prepare
• Three-year financial accountings (conservatorship): court fees based on estate value under C.G.S. § 45a-106a
• Probate bond costs, if applicable (conservatorship of the estate)
• Attorney fees for any modifications, expansions, or termination petitions

The Total Picture

For families filing pro se in an uncontested case with a fee waiver, the remaining cost may be limited to service and other applicable expenses.

Free and Low-Cost Legal Help

• Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut: 1-800-453-3320. Income-eligible families get referrals to regional legal aid for guardianship assistance at no cost.
• Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT): 1-800-842-7303. Free SDM Clinic and advocacy support.
• Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC): 1-800-445-2722. Free transition planning consultations and workshops.

The Connecticut Adult Guardianship & Alternatives Guide includes a fee calculator reference sheet that helps you estimate your total costs based on whether you're pursuing guardianship or conservatorship, filing pro se or with counsel, and whether fee waivers apply.

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