Conservatorships

CONSERVATORSHIPS

When a person loses mental or physical capacity without the necessary estate planning documents in place, it may be necessary for another person to seek a conservatorship over them. That person can then assist in managing the affairs of the incapacitated individual. The person who lacks capacity is called a conservatee; the person who takes care of the incapacitated person is called the conservator. Conservators can be a friend, family member, or a professional conservator (also called a professional fiduciary).

THE LAW OFFICES OF DANIEL HUNT CAN HELP

Our law firm has helped many Sacramento-area residents with a wide range of conservatorship issues. Whether you need help carrying out your duties as a conservator or you would like to petition the court for the appointment of a conservatorship, we can help. Our attorneys aim to offer excellent customer service. We listen carefully to the needs of our clients and work hard to communicate with them throughout the entire process. Contact our Sacramento conservatorship law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.

WHAT IS A CONSERVATORSHIP IN CALIFORNIA?

California’s Probate Code governs the appointment of conservatorships. A California Probate Court must formally establish a conservatorship through a court proceeding. Probate conservatorships can be general or limited. General Probate Conservatorships are intended for individuals who are unable to care for their own personal needs due to issues with capacity or disability. Our office does not currently handle general conservatorships.

A Limited Probate Conservatorship applies when the person is developmentally disabled and only needs help managing specific areas of their lives, or for older adults who still have some degree of capacity. If the court grants the limited conservatorship, the conservator will have the power to care for certain duties, but the conservatee may retain all other legal and civil rights. Our office currently handles limited conservatorships only.

HOW TO INITIATE A CONSERVATORSHIP IN CALIFORNIA PROBATE COURT

The person who is proposing the conservatorship must file a petition with the court in order to initiate the matter. Once the petitioner files the petition, the clerk of the Probate Court will set a date for the hearing. The hearing is typically 120-180 days from the date of the filing of the petition. There are specific provisions in the Probate Code requiring that specific individuals be provided with notice of proceeding and conservatorship hearing. After the hearing, a judge will determine whether to grant the conservatorship.

WHEN DOES AN ADULT BECOME INCAPACITATED?

An adult becomes incapacitated when they cannot communicate their wishes. An incapacitated adult cannot properly make decisions or care for themself mentally or physically. Evidence, such as physical examinations of the proposed conservatee, must be presented in order for a judge to establish a conservatorship.

WHAT DUTIES DOES A CONSERVATOR HAVE?

Acting as a conservator is a legal responsibility that one should not undertake lightly. The duties of a conservator depend on the type of conservatorship. Conservators have a duty to make decisions in the best interest of the conservatee. Some of the duties of a conservator on behalf of a conservatee include the following:

• Making arrangements for the care and protection of the conservatee
• Determining where the conservatee will live
• Making arrangements for the conservatee’s healthcare, clothing, transportation
• Making arrangements for the conservatee’s finances
• Protecting and controlling the conservatee’s assets and income
• Paying the conservatee’s bills
• Managing the conservatee’s overall well being

Conservators should be prepared to submit a lot of paperwork and attend court hearings. Conservators have a legal duty to provide an accounting to the Probate Court as to their management of the conservatee’s funds. Within 60 days of becoming a conservator, the conservator must create an inventory of the conservatee’s estate. The inventory must include the value of all real estate, financial accounts, stocks, bonds, and other assets belonging to the conservatee.

THE BENEFITS OF HIRING THE LAW OFFICES OF DANIEL HUNT

Becoming the conservator of another person can be a daunting process. Many people lead busy lives and may not have the free time to complete all of the paperwork and duties required of conservators. At the Law Offices of Daniel Hunt, we have years of experience related to legal issues surrounding conservatorships. Hiring a skilled attorney to help you understand your duties and complete them can help you and your loved ones immensely.

Our law firm helps conservators with a wide range of conservatorship issues. Here are a few of the services we provide:

• We represent conservators and help them carry out their fiduciary duties.
• We represent individuals who are contesting the appointment of a conservator.
• We represent individuals to fill out and submit the required conservatorship paperwork.
• We represent individuals who would like to petition the court to appoint a conservator.
• We represent individuals who have suffered exploitation within a conservatorship.

ALTERNATIVES TO CONSERVATORSHIPS IN CALIFORNIA

Although the conservatorship process may seem somewhat daunting, California Probate Law offers some alternatives to conservatorships. If the person who needs assistance has the capacity to understand and sign a Power of Attorney or Advance Healthcare Directive, these legal documents might be all that is necessary for the individual to receive adequate care. Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you determine the best options for your unique needs. We help clients understand the different legal options so they can make the most informed decisions possible for themselves and their loved ones.

OUR CONSERVATORSHIP ATTORNEYS CAN HELP

Situations involving the incapacity of a friend or loved one can be difficult. Hiring a skilled Sacramento conservatorship attorney can help you and your family go through the legal process smoothly. The conservatorship process can quickly become complicated. Having an experienced attorney in your corner can help you navigate the various legal issues surrounding conservatorships.

Our attorneys focus on offering our clients professional, helpful, and efficient representation. Contact our law firm today to schedule your initial consultation with our Sacramento, Folsom, or Roseville offices. We offer in-person, virtual, and telephone appointments for your convenience.