About the Course

In this module, we’ll explore the core principles that define the vital roles of guardian and conservator within our legal and social systems. You’ll learn what guardians and conservators do, who they serve, and how the courts provide oversight to ensure accountability and ethical practice. Whether you’re an aspiring fiduciary just beginning to explore this profession or an experienced practitioner seeking to refresh your understanding, this module offers a clear, structured overview of how guardianship and conservatorship function in real-world settings.

Meet Your Instructor

Hi there! I’m Junel Unrein, founder of The Fiduciary Institute and a fellow fiduciary professional.  When I first stepped into professional fiduciary work, one thing stood out immediately: while there’s plenty of training on ethics, standards of practice, and what it means to be a good guardian or conservator, there’s very little that teaches you how to actually do the work. The day-to-day, practical side of managing cases, making decisions, and keeping everything organized is something most professionals end up figuring out on their own. That realization inspired me to create clearer, more practical pathways into this profession—resources that bridge the gap between knowing the principles and applying them in real life. Through this course and the Fiduciary Pathways series, my goal is to make the learning curve a little less steep and the work a little more sustainable for those stepping into this important role.

Course Curriculum

6 Chapters · 21 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction to Guardianship and Conservatorship

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 1: Foundations of Guardianship and Conservatorship

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Objectives

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Downloadable Templates

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Guardianship and Conservatorship Glossary

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Guardian and Conservator Basic Intake Checklist

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Case Summary Template

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Decision-Making Framework Quick Reference

  2. 2

    Roles and Responsibilities

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Why It Matters

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Key Definitions

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Historical Evolution

  3. 3

    Understanding Authority and Oversight

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Authority And Scope

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Regulatory And Oversight Framework

  4. 4

    Standards and Principles

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Guiding Principles

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      From Principles To Practice

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Fiduciary Standards Of Care And Duty

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Ethical Tensions In Practice

  5. 5

    Case Study Scenario

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice Scenario: Guardian and Conservator Decision Making

  6. 6

    Conclusion and Resources

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Key Takeaways

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Next Steps

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Pilot Course Feedback Survey

Ready to Dive In?

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