Public Administrator

The Callaway County Public Administrator’s Office provides Guardianship and Conservatorship services to Callaway County residents who are in need of a Guardian and / or Conservator. The Public Administrator’s Office serves as a Guardian and / or Conservator when appointed to serve as such by the Callaway County Probate Court. Family members may call our office if they are contemplating the need for Guardianship or Conservatorship. While our office will not file a Petition for Guardianship or Conservatorship for the family, often we are able to help families by giving them information about available resources. Karen Digh Allen, is the Public Administrator and has served Callaway County since 1997. Karen is a graduate of Fulton High School; William Woods College and Washburn University Law School. The Public Administrator’s Office can be reached at 573-642-0720.

What is a Guardian?

A Guardian “Guards” the person. A Guardian is a person appointed by the court to care for and have the custody of a minor or an incapacitated person. A limited Guardian is a person whose powers as Guardian are limited by the Court to certain functions.

What is a Conservator?

A Conservator “Conserves” the assets of a person. A Conservator is a person appointed by the court to care for and have the custody of the property and oversee the financial affairs of a minor or disabled person.

What is incapacitated?

In order to have a Guardian, a person must be determined by the Probate Judge to be incapacitated. An incapacitated person is someone who is unable to make decisions by reason of any physical or mental condition to receive and evaluate information or to communicate decisions to such an extent that he/she lacks the capacity to meet essential requirements for food, clothing, shelter, safety or other care such that serious physical injury, illness, or disease is likely to occur.

What is disabled?

In order to have a Conservator, a person must be determined by the Probate Judge to be disabled. A disabled person is someone who is unable by reason of any physical or mental condition to receive and evaluate information or who lacks the ability to communicate decisions needed to manage his or her financial resources.