Conservatorship Attorney in Long Beach, CA
Legal authority to care for a loved one who cannot manage their own affairs. Serving Long Beach and surrounding communities.
When a Conservatorship Is Needed
A conservatorship is a court order giving one adult the legal authority to care for another. It is used when someone — often an aging parent, a disabled adult child, or a loved one with dementia — cannot make safe decisions about their health, their money, or both. The court appoints the conservator and supervises ongoing.
Conservatorships are invasive and expensive. They are a last resort. Whenever possible, a power of attorney and healthcare directive can prevent the need for one. But when the situation is already bad, a conservatorship may be the only way to protect someone.
What We Handle
- Probate conservatorships of the person
- Probate conservatorships of the estate
- Limited conservatorships for developmentally disabled adults
- LPS conservatorships for those with serious mental illness
- Conservatorship petitions and annual accountings
- Defense against improper conservatorship petitions
How California Conservatorship Works
California has several types of conservatorship under the Probate Code and the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. Probate conservatorships cover most cases — they handle adults who cannot care for themselves or their finances. Limited conservatorships are for developmentally disabled adults. LPS conservatorships are for people with severe mental illness requiring involuntary treatment.
The process starts with a petition filed in probate court. For Long Beach, that is Los Angeles County Superior Court. A court investigator visits the proposed conservatee and files a report. The conservatee has a right to an attorney. A hearing is held. If the court finds it necessary, a conservator is appointed.
California is strict about conservatorships because they take away basic rights. The court keeps oversight with annual accountings, periodic reviews, and required reporting. Conservators are personally liable for mistakes. We guide families through the process carefully.
When to Consider a Conservatorship
A conservatorship may be necessary if a loved one:
- Has dementia or Alzheimer's and can no longer manage money or care
- Has a serious mental illness and will not accept voluntary treatment
- Is a developmentally disabled adult turning 18
- Is being financially exploited by someone
- Has no power of attorney or healthcare directive and has lost capacity
Our Process
Step 1: Situation Review
We review the circumstances and explore alternatives to conservatorship first.
Step 2: File the Petition
We file the conservatorship petition and handle all notices and court requirements.
Step 3: Ongoing Support
We help with annual accountings, court reviews, and any disputes that come up.
Conservatorship Questions
Three to six months from filing to appointment in most cases. Longer if there is a dispute. Emergency temporary conservatorships can be obtained more quickly when needed.
Several thousand dollars for the initial appointment and ongoing fees for annual reviews. Complicated or contested cases cost more. Some or all of the fees are paid from the conservatee’s estate.
Often, yes. If the person still has capacity, a properly drafted power of attorney and healthcare directive can replace the need for one entirely. We always check for alternatives first.
Usually a family member — spouse, adult child, sibling, or close relative. Professional fiduciaries are available if no family is willing or able. The court decides.
Yes. If the conservatee regains capacity or circumstances change, the court can terminate the conservatorship. We help with petitions to end conservatorships when they are no longer needed.
Request a Free Consultation
Tell us about your situation. We will respond within one business day to set up your free consultation.