This is an unofficial version of a Massachusetts General Law.
Section 5-401
(a) Upon petition and after notice and hearing in accordance with the provisions of this part, the court may appoint a limited or unlimited conservator or make any other protective order for cause as provided in this section.
(b) Appointment of a conservator or other protective order may be made in relation to the estate and affairs of a minor if the court determines that a minor owns money, real property or personal property requiring management or protection that cannot otherwise be provided or has or may have business affairs that may be jeopardized or prevented by minority, or that funds are needed for support and education and that protection is necessary or desirable to obtain or provide money.
(c) Appointment of a conservator or other protective order may be made in relation to the estate and affairs of a person who is disabled for reasons other than minority if the court determines that:
(1) the person is unable to manage property and business affairs effectively because of a clinically diagnosed impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions, even with the use of appropriate technological assistance, or because the individual is detained or otherwise unable to return to the United States; and
(2) the person has property that will be wasted or dissipated unless management is provided or money is needed for the support, care, and welfare of the person or those entitled to the person's support and that protection is necessary or desirable to obtain or provide money.