A conservator is someone who is appointed by the court system to oversee the affairs of someone who is unable to do so due to either mental or physical incapacity. More than one conservator can be appointed, one for financial affairs and one for health care and living arrangements. Conservators answer to the courts and must keep a record of all their tasks and an accounting of finances if they are involved in them. Individuals can avoid having conservators appointed for them by having advanced medical directives that specifically name who is to be in charge of medical and financial decisions should the need arise. These documents keep the courts from appointing someone of their choosing or having relatives step in and petition for conservatorship and allows the person's wishes be fulfilled to the letter.