Public Guardian

Mission

The office of the Public Guardian is committed to treating every conservatee with dignity, compassion and understanding. In carrying out our statutory role, we will act in the best interest of each conservatee and execute sound fiscal management of client estates.

Conservators Handbook

Handbook for Conservators (2002 Edition) issued by Judicial Council of California

English
Spanish

You can also visit California Judicial Branch's website for more information.

Related Links

California Probate Code
California Welfare & Institution's Code
California Courts / The Judicial Branch of California
Includes information about conservatorship
California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

What are the essential responsibilities of the Public Guardian when appointed as conservator?
The Superior Court may appoint the Public Guardian as conservator of the person, conservator of the estate or both conservator of person and estate. The following is a brief overview of the responsibilities of each:
- Conservator of the Person
  
  Arranges for the conservatee's placement, protection and care. Also, coordinates and oversees the delivery of needed services.
- Conservator of the Estate
  
  Manages the conservatee's finances, locates and controls conservatee property, collects income, pays bills, invests the conservatee's money and protects estate assets.
What are the different types of conservatorship?
California law provides for two basic types of conservatorship depending upon the conservatee's particular needs. The following is a brief description of each:
- Probate Conservatorship
  
  A probate conservatorship of person may be established for those found unable to properly provide for their personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter. A probate conservator of estate may be established for those who are substantially unable to manage their own financial resources or resist fraud or undue influence.
- Lanterman-Petris-Short (L.P.S.) Conservatorship.
  
  A conservator of the person or both person and estate may be appointed for those found unable to provide for their basic personal needs for food, clothing, or shelter as a result of mental disorder or impairment by chronic alcoholism.
Where can I find more information regarding conservatorship in California?
The best source of information is the law itself. The law regarding probate conservatorship is contained in the California Probate Code. The California Welfare and Institutions Code contains statutes regarding Lanterman-Petris-Short conservatorship.

Contact Us

Office
25 N. Cottonwood St.
Woodland, CA 95695

Mailing
PO Box 2265
Woodland, CA 95776

Telephone
530-666-8100

Fax
530-666-7570

Mission

Conservators Handbook

Related Links

What are the essential responsibilities of the Public Guardian when appointed as conservator?

What are the different types of conservatorship?

Where can I find more information regarding conservatorship in California?

Contact Us