Beginning January 1, 2026, Kansas will implement major updates to its guardianship and conservatorship laws. These reforms modernize how the courts appoint and oversee guardians and conservators (i.e. the people who help manage personal or financial decisions when someone can no longer do so on their own).
Whether you are a parent of a child with disabilities, an adult caring for an aging loved one, or someone planning for your own future, these changes are important to understand.
Background: In 2025 Kansas replaced large parts of its prior guardianship/conservatorship framework by enacting model uniform acts (UAGPPJA and a Kansas version of the Uniform Guardianship/Conservatorship act) in House Bill 2359, which takes effect January 1, 2026. The reforms modernize jurisdictional rules, emphasize the least-restrictive alternative, impose new procedural safeguards (including broader notice and disclosure obligations), and standardize expectations for plans, training and fiduciary accountability. These changes reflect a national movement to preserve autonomy, reduce unnecessary plenary appointments, and strengthen oversight of fiduciaries.
Why the Laws Are Changing
The goal behind the new legislation is simple but powerful: to protect personal rights while ensuring appropriate support.
Kansas adopted a more modern, “person-centered” approach that focuses on:
- Promoting independence and self-determination whenever possible.
- Increasing transparency and accountability for those serving as guardians or conservators.
- Enhancing communication and oversight between the courts, families, and professionals involved in care and finances.
In short, the new law aims to ensure that court-appointed assistance is only as restrictive as truly necessary, while still keeping vulnerable individuals safe.
Key Updates You Should Know
- Limited Guardianships and Conservatorships
Instead of granting full decision-making power in all areas of life, courts will now be encouraged to assign only the authority needed — such as health care, finances, or housing. This means more people can retain control over parts of their lives with support where needed.
- Expanded “Interested Parties”
The law broadens who can be notified and stay involved in guardianship and conservatorship cases. This gives family members, caregivers, and other important supporters better access to information and the ability to raise concerns or share input.
- New Disclosure Requirements
Before being appointed, proposed guardians and conservators must share background information with the court — such as past financial issues or criminal history. This helps the court ensure that only trustworthy, qualified individuals are appointed to protect someone’s best interests.
- Mandatory Plans and Reports
Guardians and conservators will now need to file a written plan describing how they will support the person’s well-being or manage finances. They’ll also be required to explain any major changes in future reports to the court. This adds a layer of accountability and transparency for families.
- Updated Rules for Minor Guardianships
Special protections are being added for minors. Older children (age 12 and up) will have more say in the process, including the ability to request their own attorney, ensuring their voice is heard as important life decisions are made.
Special protections are being added for minors. Older children (age 12 and up) will have more say in the process, including the ability to request their own attorney, ensuring their voice is heard as important life decisions are made.
What This Means for You
These reforms represent a shift toward respect, oversight, and collaboration. If you or your loved one is affected by aging, disability, or planning for future care, now is the time to:
- Review any existing guardianship or conservatorship arrangements.
- Consider whether a limited guardianship or other alternatives might be appropriate.
- Prepare for the new forms, plans, and disclosures that will be required beginning in 2026.
Attorneys, fiduciaries, and family members serving in these roles should also prepare for additional reporting and education requirements under the new law.
Shepherd Elder Law Group Can Help
At Shepherd Elder Law Group, we work every day with families navigating guardianship, conservatorship, and other planning tools that protect loved ones while preserving independence.
Our team can help you:
- Understand how these new laws affect your current situation,
- Prepare the new required documents, and
- Explore alternatives such as powers of attorney or supported decision-making.
If you have questions about how these changes may impact your family or your role as a guardian or conservator, we’re here to guide you through it.
Complete details on the legislations can be found at the link below:
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