Conservatorships Attorney in Sacramento

Assisting Families with Conservatorships in Sacramento & Surrounding Areas

Watching a loved one struggle with daily tasks or financial decisions can be deeply painful. There may come a time when they can no longer make sound choices on their own, whether due to age, illness, or injury. In such cases, a conservatorship is a legal tool that allows a responsible individual to act on their behalf. Pursuing a conservatorship is a serious decision and involves a formal court process that can feel complex and overwhelming.

At Kaslan & Pike, LLP, we approach these matters with care and clarity. Our team works together on every case, combining perspectives to support families through difficult transitions. We prioritize honest communication and treat our clients with the same respect and attention we would offer our own loved ones.

For help from a conservatorship attorney in Sacramento, call us at (916) 957-1302 or contact us online.

Understanding Conservatorships in California

A conservatorship is a legal proceeding in which a judge appoints a responsible person, known as the conservator, to care for another adult (the conservatee) who cannot manage personal care or financial matters. Before granting this authority, the court must be presented with clear and convincing evidence of the individual’s inability to make sound decisions. 

In California, there are two main types of conservatorships, which may be established separately or together:

• Conservatorship of the person. This gives the conservator the authority to make decisions about the conservatee’s daily life, including housing, healthcare, meals, and overall well-being. 
• Conservatorship of the estate. This allows the conservator to manage financial matters such as locating and handling assets, paying bills and taxes, creating budgets, and safeguarding the estate from loss or misuse. 

Each type addresses different needs, and the court may appoint one conservator for both roles or separate individuals for each. Understanding which type fits your loved one’s situation is vital in moving forward.

The Process of Establishing a Conservatorship

The process begins by filing a formal petition with the probate court. This document includes detailed information about the proposed conservatee, their family, finances, and the reasons a conservatorship is being requested. At Kaslan & Pike, LLP, our team works together to prepare this petition with care, making sure it clearly communicates the situation to the court. We also handle the filing and required legal notices to all parties involved.

Once the petition is submitted, the court appoints an investigator (often a court employee or social worker) to meet with the proposed conservatee, interview family members, and assess the overall circumstances. The investigator’s role is to evaluate whether a conservatorship is necessary and whether the proposed conservator is suitable. Their findings are compiled into a confidential report submitted to the judge before the hearing. 

The process concludes with a court hearing, where the judge reviews the petition, the investigator’s report, and any other evidence presented. Based on this information, the judge decides whether to grant the conservatorship.

Duties of a Conservator & Our Ongoing Support

Being appointed as a conservator is a serious responsibility that carries legal obligations known as fiduciary duties. This means acting solely in the best interest of the conservatee. For a conservator of the person, this includes making decisions about healthcare, housing, and daily care. For a conservator of the estate, it involves managing finances, preparing an inventory of assets, creating budgets, and submitting regular accountings to the court for review.

Our involvement doesn’t end when the court issues the order. We continue to support conservators as they step into their role, helping with financial reporting, clarifying legal duties, and addressing new challenges as they arise. We aim to help you carry out these responsibilities with clarity and care, while protecting the well-being of your loved one.

For help from a conservatorship lawyer in Sacramento, call us at (916) 957-1302 or contact us online.