Conservatorships

At Prudential Advocate, we guide families through California’s conservatorship process with care, candor, and respect for the person whose well-being is at stake.

A conservatorship is a court proceeding in which a judge appoints a responsible person or organization (the conservator) to care for an adult (the conservatee) who cannot fully care for themselves or manage their own finances. California law recognizes conservatorships of the person, of the estate, and of both — and the court supervises the conservator’s actions throughout.

How we help

We represent family members petitioning to establish a conservatorship, proposed conservators, and relatives with concerns about a conservatorship that is proposed or already in place. That includes preparing and filing the petition, handling required notices, and appearing at hearings.

Once a conservatorship is in place, we advise conservators on their ongoing duties — inventories, accountings, bond requirements, and court reviews — so the conservatorship is administered properly and the conservatee’s interests stay protected.

Our approach

A conservatorship is a serious step, and California courts treat it as a last resort. We give candid advice about whether one is actually needed — and help you evaluate less restrictive alternatives, such as powers of attorney, health care directives, or a trust, when those tools can meet the need.

When family members disagree about whether a conservatorship is warranted or who should serve, we represent our clients in those disputes with the same preparation we bring to any contested trust or estate matter — while working, where possible, to preserve family relationships.

What to expect

Conservatorship cases move through a structured court process: a petition, notice to relatives, a court investigator’s review, and a hearing before a judge. We explain each step in plain terms, prepare you for what the court will ask, and keep the process moving so protection is in place when it’s needed.

These matters can feel overwhelming — we explain your options in plain terms and provide candid advice about risks and likely outcomes. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.