Click buttons for the Answers 5.  Aren't seniors who have to prove they are not incompetent entitled to lawyers? Not necessarily so.  If the proposed ward cannot afford an attorney, he may or may not be assigned one, depending on the state.  Stop to think how ironic this is:  a person alleged to be incompetent is then expected to appear in court without a lawyer to defend his/her personal and/or financial freedoms. You can be sure the petitioners have been helped by an attorney, since these codes are complex and confusing.  But you, the proposed ward or conservatee?  Well, it's a Catch 22, isn't it? What is even worse, you may be placed under a conservator's or guardian's care and not even know this has happened until you go to vote and are told your right to vote has been taken away, or go to your bank and learn that your money is no longer yours to spend.  The proceedings make take place with NO notice to you at all.