Conservatorship

Appointment of a Conservator

When people can no longer take care of themselves, they may be subject to court proceedings to assign them a conservator. This happens when the person has not completed a health care directive or assigned a power of attorney to another. The judge may name either a conservator of the person, a conservator of the estate, or both. This is different from a guardianship, which is limited to people responsible for minor children.

The conservator's specific duties depend on the circumstances of the person under conservatorship. Conservators of the person are responsible for the physical well-being of the person under conservatorship. The conservator of the estate handles the person' finances.

Representing all parties involved in conservatorship decisions and appointments

At the Southern California law firm of Russakow, Ryan & Johnson, our lawyers represent people at hearings that determine their need for a conservator. We also accept court appointments to investigate a proposed conservatorship. We visit the elderly person's home and write a report to the court recommending the best course of action to protect the person. If you are worried about the situation of an elderly neighbor, or relative, if you have recently been appointed as a conservator, or if you are a senior citizen trying to fight the appointment of a conservator, contact our Pasadena or Orange County law firm. Speak with an experienced elder law attorney dedicated to arriving at a solution that works.

Conservators of the person and conservators of the estate work together

The court appoints conservators of the person to take care of the elderly person's physical situation and needs. This means determining where the person will live, making sure that they have proper food, clothing, and medical care. The living situation selected by the conservator must allow the elderly person freedom and ability to make decisions as appropriate. This type of conservator also works with the conservator of the estate. This ensures that the medical care, living arrangements, and recreational opportunities are affordable for the elderly person.

Removing conservators

Our law firm also represents people, usually elderly persons or their families, who wish to have a conservator removed. For example, when an adult child suspects that a conservator may be stealing funds from a parent, he or she should contact an attorney immediately to find out what can be done about the situation.

Issues related to conservatorship are often emotionally difficult. To learn how a lawyer can make it easier, contact our law firm, Russakow, Ryan & Johnson.