When a loved one can no longer manage personal or financial decisions, families often need strong legal guidance to protect their safety and dignity.
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, our California conservatorship attorneys bring more than 150 collective years of courtroom experience, led by board approved professionals who focus entirely on trust, probate, and elder protection litigation.
We represent clients in Superior Courts across the state, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, and San Bernardino, where conservatorship cases require careful planning and precise presentation.
California courts take these matters very seriously. Many cases begin after concerns are raised with Adult Protective Services. APS offices throughout the state receive hundreds of thousands of reports each year, often involving situations where a person is unable to protect themselves from neglect, exploitation, or undue influence.
Clients trust our team because we pair strong advocacy with genuine care. As Jennifer Gomez shared, our attorneys brought “clarity, professionalism, and real compassion” during one of her family’s most stressful times. Families rely on that balance when the safety of a vulnerable parent or child is at stake.
What Is a Conservatorship and Why It Matters in California
A conservatorship is a court-supervised legal arrangement that protects an adult who can no longer meet important personal or financial needs on their own.
In California, a judge may appoint a conservator to manage daily care, medical decisions, living arrangements, or financial matters when a person is unable to do so safely. The court’s goal is always the same to keep the conservatee safe while preserving as much independence as possible.
Different conservatorships apply to different situations:
- Probate conservatorships are the most common and are used when a person struggles with memory loss, cognitive decline, or serious health conditions.
- Limited conservatorships support adults with developmental disabilities who may only need help in certain areas.
- Temporary conservatorships provide immediate protection during emergencies.
- LPS conservatorships apply to individuals with serious mental health disorders who need structured treatment.
California law requires strong evidence before a conservator is appointed. Judges review medical capacity declarations, investigator reports, and the availability of less restrictive alternatives. They also consider the rights and dignity of the conservatee in every decision.
Understanding how conservatorships work can bring clarity during a stressful time. If you are worried about a loved one’s safety or well being, you are not alone. Our team is here to guide you with clarity and compassion.
Our Conservatorship Services in California
- Conservatorship Petitions
- Contested Conservatorships
- Temporary Conservatorships
- Conservator Appointments and Removals
- Accountings and Financial Oversight
- Elder Financial Abuse Claims
- Capacity/Competency Disputes
- Modification/Termination of Conservatorships
- Real Estate and Asset Protection
- Court Representation and Mediation
- Conservator Guidance and Compliance
- Probate investigator review coordination
Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes
Contact UsSigns a Conservatorship May Be Needed
Many families begin to worry long before a conservatorship is ever discussed. Small changes can build over time until it becomes clear that a loved one may no longer be safe on their own.
Common signs include:
- missed medical appointments
- poor hygiene
- unpaid bills
- confusion about daily tasks
- a sudden decline in judgment.
Families also notice growing vulnerability to scams, pressure from caregivers, or rapid changes in financial behavior that do not make sense. These warning signs often point to a deeper loss of capacity that needs attention.
In many situations, Adult Protective Services becomes involved after reports of self neglect or suspected exploitation. APS offices across California frequently identify patterns that suggest a conservatorship may be necessary to keep someone safe. Their findings can confirm what families have already observed at home.
Recognizing these signs can feel overwhelming, but taking the first step can bring clarity and protection for the person you care about. You are not expected to navigate this alone. We are here to help you understand what is happening and discuss your options with care and guidance.
What Happens When a Conservatorship Is Contested or Abused
Conservatorships often begin with the best intentions, but conflict can arise when family members disagree about what is best or when there are signs of misuse of authority.
In California, the probate court closely supervises conservators to protect the conservatee’s rights and safety. When someone raises a concern, the court has the power to pause the conservatorship, order a full investigation, or appoint a temporary conservator to prevent harm.
Contested matters usually involve disagreements over who should serve, how decisions are being made, or whether the conservatee truly lacks capacity. Judges review medical evidence, GC 335 capacity declarations, investigator reports, and the availability of less restrictive alternatives. They may also speak directly with the conservatee to understand their wishes and level of independence.
When a conservator is accused of misconduct, the court can take immediate action. Misuse of funds, isolation, neglect, or coercive control can lead to removal or surcharge. In serious cases, the court may refer the matter to Adult Protective Services or request additional oversight.
These disputes can feel deeply personal and emotionally exhausting for families. You do not have to face them alone. We can help you understand your rights, present your concerns clearly, and protect your loved one with the support and guidance you need.
About The Estate Lawyers, APC
The Estate Lawyers, APC is a premier conservatorship and probate litigation firm serving clients throughout California. Since 2005, our practice has focused entirely on trust, probate, and elder protection disputes.
Our attorneys bring more than 150 collective years of courtroom experience and handle complex and contested conservatorship cases with care and precision. Families and professionals rely on our team for clear guidance, strong advocacy, and steady support during life’s most difficult decisions.
We are known for our litigation strength and our ability to resolve challenging matters that involve questions of capacity, safety, and financial vulnerability. Our attorneys maintain a respected presence in Superior Courts across the state, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, and San Bernardino.
We also maintain active relationships with local chambers of commerce, reflecting our long standing commitment to the communities we serve.
Clients consistently describe our team as both highly skilled and deeply compassionate. They appreciate the time we take to explain complex legal processes and the care we show for the people involved. Families turn to us when they need clarity, stability, and a team they can trust to protect a vulnerable loved one.
We are here to support you at every stage of the conservatorship process and to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Why Families Trust Our Firm
Families across California describe The Estate Lawyers as highly qualified, responsive, and deeply compassionate.
“Some of the best legal minds and the most caring and compassionate people you will meet.”
Clients trust our team to protect their loved ones with both skill and empathy.
“They moved our case forward when others could not.”
Families turn to us when they need a team that can resolve complex or stalled conservatorship matters.
“The best of the best.”
Many clients share that they would recommend our firm to anyone facing a conservatorship challenge.
“Clarity, professionalism, and real compassion.”
People value the steady support and thoughtful communication they receive from our attorneys and staff.
Local Resources We Work With in California
- Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Division
- Orange County Superior Court Probate Division
- San Diego Superior Court Probate Division
- Riverside County Probate Court
- Ventura County Probate Court
- San Bernardino County Probate Court
- Los Angeles County Adult Protective Services
- Orange County Adult Protective Services
- San Diego County Adult Protective Services
- Riverside County Adult Protective Services
- Ventura County Adult Protective Services
- San Bernardino County Adult Protective Services
- Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
- Orange County Business Council
- San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Riverside Chamber of Commerce
- Ventura Chamber of Commerce
- General California Superior Court filing fee schedules for conservatorship petitions
Our Conservatorship Process in California
Conservatorships in California are handled by the Probate Division of the Superior Court in each county. At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we guide families throughout the state through every stage of the process.
- Case evaluation: Review of medical, financial, and family circumstances, with capacity assessments from appropriate physicians and care providers when needed.
- Petition filing: Preparation and filing of the required Probate Code petition with the local California Superior Court.
- Court investigation: The court may assign an investigator or involve county Adult Protective Services (APS) to review safety concerns, potential abuse, or neglect.
- Hearings: A probate judge reviews medical records, reports, and testimony before granting or denying the conservatorship.
- Oversight and reporting: Conservators must submit regular accountings and status reports, often with support from professional bookkeepers or forensic accountants.
- Contested cases: We litigate disputes involving undue influence, competing petitions, or suspected conservator misconduct, and seek prompt removal or replacement when necessary.
Speak With a California Conservatorship Attorney Today
You deserve clear guidance and dependable support when a loved one needs protection. Our team is here to answer your questions, review your concerns, and help you understand the safest path forward. Whether you are considering a conservatorship or facing a difficult dispute, we will stand with you and guide you every step of the way.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and move forward with confidence and peace of mind.