What should the conservator of the estate do according to state statutes?

The role of a conservator of the estate, as outlined in state statutes, primarily involves the duty to protect the conservatee's income and assets. This includes managing the conservatee's finances in a way that ensures their financial stability and well-being. The conservator is responsible for making prudent decisions that safeguard the conservatee’s property, such as paying bills, managing income sources, and making investments that are in the best interest of the conservatee.

By focusing on protecting income and assets, the conservator helps to prevent misuse or depletion of the conservatee’s resources, thereby ensuring that the conservatee can maintain their quality of life. Proper management of these resources is essential, as it reflects the fiduciary responsibility that a conservator holds to act in the best interests of the individual they are representing.

The other choices, such as maximizing debts, investing only in high-risk opportunities, or spending assets frivolously, do not align with the duties of a conservator. These actions would jeopardize the financial security of the conservatee, which is contrary to the required responsibilities of a conservator under state statutes.