Types of Los Angeles Conservatorships

Understanding the different types of conservatorships in California is essential if you have a loved one who may need legal protection. In Los Angeles, these conservatorships are established through probate court to assist those who are gravely disabled, mentally ill, or developmentally disabled, and who cannot manage personal care or financial decisions without help.

Regular Conservatorship

A regular conservatorship (also called a general conservatorship) in California applies when someone can’t handle their personal care or finances.

A regular conservatorship is often split into two categories:

• Conservatorship of the Person: This type deals primarily with the individual’s personal well-being, encompassing aspects like housing, food, medical care, and other health-related decisions.
• Conservatorship of the Estate: This focuses on financial aspects, including bill payments and income collection on the conservatee’s behalf.

Often, both types of conservatorships are filed simultaneously to ensure comprehensive care and financial oversight.

A Los Angeles conservatorship lawyer will help you petition the court and manage the conservatorship.

These types of conservatorship in Los Angeles are commonly used when elderly individuals experience cognitive decline, or when people with severe mental illness cannot manage their daily lives.

Limited Conservatorship

A limited conservatorship is for adults with developmental disabilities. A limited conservator may control personal care or financial matters, or possibly both.

This type of conservatorship is more flexible and is tailored to the needs of the developmentally disabled individual, preserving their rights wherever possible. Unlike general conservatorships, limited conservatorships are carefully structured to avoid unnecessary restriction of freedom. Each case is different. A conservatorship lawyer in California can advise on what is appropriate.

Temporary Conservatorship

When cases require immediate action, a temporary conservatorship is invoked. This offers a brief protection period to safeguard the individual in question while the court reviews the full case.

A California conservatorship attorney helps prepare and file all urgent documents. Sometimes, temporary measures like Advance Healthcare Directive or Durable Power of Attorney may be enough.

We’ll help determine what’s best.

A temporary conservatorship may also be appropriate for family members facing an emergency, such as a loved one with a mental illness who becomes gravely disabled and poses a risk to themselves.

Do You Need a Conservatorship?

Whether you’re exploring conservatorship for an aging parent or a developmentally disabled adult, understanding the conservatorship types available can provide clarity and peace of mind. It’s always best to work with experienced estate planning attorneys who understand the nuances of probate conservatorship and how to protect your loved one’s best interests.

Contact our law firm today to learn more about the types of conservatorships in Los Angeles and which option may be right for your situation.