---
type: Concept
title: Guardianship and Conservatorship in Missouri
description: When no powers of attorney exist and capacity is lost, Missouri families must seek guardianship or conservatorship under Chapter 475.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/missouri-guardianship/
tags: [guardianship, conservatorship, missouri, chapter-475, incapacity]
timestamp: 2026-06-18
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
---

# Summary

If a person loses capacity and has no powers of attorney in place, a court must appoint someone to make decisions. In Missouri this is guardianship (for the person) and conservatorship (for the estate), governed by Chapter 475.

# Key provisions

- Appointment and priorities (RSMo §475.050)
- Emergency appointment when there is immediate risk (RSMo §475.075)
- Termination and related procedure (RSMo §475.083)

# Decision rule

Guardianship is the fallback when planning failed. It is public, slower, and more costly than acting under a power of attorney. Where capacity still exists, sign powers of attorney now to avoid it.

# Related

- [Powers of Attorney](/okf/elder-law-medicaid/powers-of-attorney.md)