The Estate Lawyers, APC is an Irvine-based firm focused on conservatorship litigation.
When an elder or dependent adult can no longer manage their affairs, families often turn to the Orange County Probate Court for a conservatorship to protect them from abuse or neglect. These cases can quickly become contentious, especially in high-value estates involving real estate or family businesses.
With Irvine’s median home value around $1.6 million, property disputes often lie at the heart of contested conservatorships.
Founded in 2005, The Estate Lawyers, APC is a litigation-only firm with over 150 years of combined trial experience. We represent families both in establishing conservatorships and challenging them when abuse or mismanagement occurs.
Understanding Conservatorship and Why It Matters in Irvine
A conservatorship is a court-ordered arrangement where a judge appoints a conservator to manage the personal or financial affairs of someone who cannot care for themselves.
Conservatorships matter because they directly protect elders from exploitation. According to California data, 1 in 10 seniors suffer abuse, yet the vast majority of cases go unreported. With over 457,000 Orange County residents aged 65+, the demand for conservatorships is steadily increasing.
But conservatorships can also be contested. The most common disputes in Orange County involve:
- Competing family members seeking control
- Claims of undue influence or fraud
- Disputes over a senior’s capacity
- Removal of conservators for mismanagement or abuse
Our Conservatorship Services in Irvine
We offer the following services across Irvine:
- 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
Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes
Contact UsTrusted Conservatorship Lawyers for Irvine Families
Here’s why families across Irvine choose The Estate Lawyers, APC:
Litigation-Only Focus: We focus exclusively on probate, trust, and conservatorship litigation. No estate planning, no distractions.
Attorney-Led Representation: Every client works directly with a seasoned trial attorney, never passed to junior associates or staff.
Proven Courtroom Experience: Our team offers over 150 years of combined trial experience in high-stakes probate and conservatorship disputes.
Strategic & Efficient: We deliver results-driven representation with the efficiency and precision expected by Irvine’s discerning clients.
Personalized Advocacy: Each case receives individualized attention, clear communication, and a strategy tailored to your goals.
Local Insight: We regularly appear before the Orange County Superior Court, with deep knowledge of its judges, procedures, and local professionals.
Our Conservatorship Process in Irvine
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we guide families through every stage of the conservatorship with focus and precision.
Case evaluation
We begin with a full review of the elder’s medical history, finances, and family dynamics. When needed, we work with doctors at UC Irvine Medical Center and Hoag Hospital to establish capacity.
Filing the petition
We prepare and file a Probate Code petition with the court. The filing fee is typically $435, plus fees for motions and accountings. These prices are subject to change.
Court investigation
The court may appoint an investigator or involve the Orange County Public Guardian to review the case, interview family members, and recommend whether a conservatorship is necessary.
Hearings
At the Probate Division in Santa Ana, a judge considers medical evidence, witness testimony, and family input before granting or denying the petition.
Ongoing oversight
If approved, the conservator must file accountings and reports. Disputes often arise here, especially when large Irvine estates or real property are involved.
Contested cases & removal
If a conservator mismanages assets, engages in self-dealing, or neglects their duties, we petition the court to remove and replace the conservator. Contested conservatorships can take 12–18 months, depending on objections and hearings.
Your Trusted Legal Partners in Irvine
The Estate Lawyers, APC is Southern California’s premier litigation law firm dedicated exclusively to trust, probate, and elder law disputes.
Founded in July 2005, our firm is led by a team who brings over 150 years of collective courtroom experience. Unlike firms that dabble in multiple areas of law, we focus solely on estate and elder litigation, making us the trusted authority families turn to during life’s most difficult disputes.
Our mission is simple. Protect the vulnerable, preserve rightful inheritances, and protect family legacies. Whether handling a multimillion-dollar trust contest or defending a loved one from financial elder abuse, we utilize deep experience to deliver results with compassion and precision.
Local Resources We Work With in Irvine
Conservatorship cases often involve coordination with trusted medical, legal, and community institutions throughout Irvine and Orange County. The Estate Lawyers, APC frequently works with:
- Orange County Superior Court – Probate Division (Santa Ana)
Handles all conservatorship petitions and hearings for Irvine residents. - Orange County Public Guardian
Appointed in certain cases to investigate or manage conservatorships when no suitable family member is available. - UC Irvine Medical Center
Provides medical evaluations and capacity assessments for elders involved in conservatorship proceedings. - Hoag Hospital – Irvine and Newport Beach
Assists with geriatric and neurological evaluations relevant to conservatorship petitions. - Orange County Adult Protective Services (APS)
Investigates reports of elder neglect, abuse, or financial exploitation that may lead to conservatorship actions. - Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Maintains property and title records frequently reviewed in high-value estate conservatorship disputes. - Irvine Police Department – Elder Abuse Unit
Partners in cases involving suspected financial or physical abuse of vulnerable adults. - Local Geriatric Care Managers and Fiduciaries
Provide daily care coordination and fiduciary services for conservatees when appointed by the court.
Protect Your Legacy Today
If you’re facing a trust, probate, or conservatorship dispute in Irvine, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Call The Estate Lawyers, APC or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation at our Irvine office.
The Estate Lawyers, APC: Here to Guide, Here to Fight, Here for You.