Conservatorship
Attorneys
Friendly Law Office with Big Firm Results
When a Loved One Can’t Manage on Their Own, We Help You Step In Legally
Conservatorship in California is often the last step when someone you care about can no longer make decisions safely on their own. It’s a serious responsibility, and the legal process can feel complex. Our role is to guide you through it clearly, with compassion and experience, so you can focus on doing what’s right for your family. Below, you'll find everything you need to understand your options, the steps involved, and what to expect.
At Prager Jones, we guide you through this process with care and clarity:
Clear guidance from start to finish — We explain the legal steps in plain language, so you always know what’s next.
Tailored support for your situation — Whether it’s a general, limited, or emergency conservatorship, we help you choose the right path.
Realistic timelines and honest expectations — No surprises. We’re upfront about how long it takes and what’s required.
Ongoing help beyond the paperwork — We’re here for court filings, hearings, and your questions throughout the process
At Prager Jones, we know stepping in to help a loved one through conservatorship isn’t just a legal matter—it’s a personal one. Your family’s safety and future are too important to leave to confusion or delay, and we’re here to help you take the right steps with clarity and care.
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Start with Confidence—We're Here to Guide You
Conservatorship and legal guardianship shouldn't be complex and overwhelming. At Prager Jones, we focus on making the process clear, thoughtful, and tailored to you. Whether you need limited or general conservatorship, or just answers to your questions, we’re here to help you protect what matters most—on your terms and your timeline.
Types of Conservatorships We Handle
Conservatorships in California fall into two main categories—each designed for different levels of need and support. Whether your loved one requires limited help or full-time oversight, we’ll help you determine the right legal path and guide you through every step of the process.
Limited Conservatorship
For adults with developmental disabilities who can make some decisions independently, but still need help in specific areas. These conservatorships aim to preserve as much independence as possible while ensuring support where needed.
- Applies to adults under California Probate Code §1801(d)
- Conservatee retains all rights not specifically transferred
- Tailored to cover only specific legal or personal responsibilities
- Possible areas of authority granted to the conservator:
- Deciding where the conservatee lives
- Accessing confidential records
- Consent to marriage or contracts
- Medical decision-making
- Managing social and sexual interactions
- Making educational decisions
General Conservatorship
For individuals who cannot care for themselves due to more serious conditions such as advanced dementia or severe disability. These conservatorships allow the conservator to manage most or all aspects of the person’s daily life and, if needed, their finances.
- Designed for those needing broad support and protection
- Covers physical health, safety, food, shelter, and well-being
- May include management of financial matters (estate conservatorship)
- The court appoints a separate attorney to represent the proposed conservatee
- Similar legal process to limited conservatorship with added court oversight
Overview of the Conservatorship Process
We make the process simple, transparent, and thorough—from your first call to the final signing.
Legal Process Overview
- Petition: Filed in probate court to request establishment of the conservatorship (general or limited).
- Capacity Declaration: Completed by a doctor or religious healing practitioner detailing the proposed conservatee's condition.
- Notice: Required for the proposed conservatee, adult relatives, and (for limited conservatorships) the regional center.
- Investigation: Court-appointed investigator interviews the involved parties and submits a report to the judge.
- Regional Center Report: Required for limited conservatorships; offers recommendations on scope and suitability.
- Hearing: The judge determines if the conservatorship will be approved and issues the court order and Letters of Conservatorship.
- Care Plan: Outlines how the conservatee’s needs will be met and may include a formal conservatorship plan.
- Court Review: Annual review after the first year (and periodically thereafter). Estate conservatorships also require financial accountings.
Your Process with Prager Jones
At Prager Jones, we know that stepping into a conservatorship role can feel overwhelming—especially when you're already navigating care for someone you love. Our process is designed to bring clarity and structure to what can otherwise be a confusing legal experience. From our first conversation to the courtroom and beyond, we guide you with transparency, preparation, and steady legal support at every step.
Prager Jones Process Overview
- Initial Consultation: A free 15-minute call to assess your case and determine next steps.
- Planning Meeting: A 60-minute session to gather detailed information and prepare for drafting.
- Draft: You’ll receive all draft documents within 7–10 business days after the planning meeting (once all info is received).
- Pre-Signing Meeting: A 60-minute review to answer your questions and finalize documents.
- Signing Meeting: A 30-minute session to officially sign and prepare for court filing and service of notice.
- Hearing Date: We represent you in court once all filings and notices are complete.
- Annual Review: Not included in initial pricing, but we offer ongoing support for future court reviews if needed.
- Billing:
- 50% due after the planning meeting, before receiving any paperwork.
- Remaining 50% due at least 10 business days before the hearing.
Conservatorship Attorney Fees
We offer flat-fee conservatorship services, so you know what to expect from the start. Pricing varies based on the complexity and type of conservatorship needed.
- Limited Conservatorship: Starting at $6,500
- General Conservatorship: Starting at $9,500
These fees include all standard petition preparation, filings, court appearances, and support through the hearing. If your case involves unique complexities or additional filings, we’ll clearly explain any adjustments before work begins.
Understanding Key Terms in California Conservatorship
If you're just starting the conservatorship process, you may come across legal terms that feel unfamiliar. Here's a quick guide to the language used in California conservatorship cases:
- Conservatorship
- A court-supervised legal process where a judge appoints someone to help an adult who cannot manage their personal care or finances due to disability or incapacity.
- Conservator
- The person or organization appointed by the court to make decisions for the individual in need of support.
- Conservatee
- The adult who has been found by the court to be unable to care for themselves or manage their finances.
- Conservatorship of the Person
- Applies to decisions related to the conservatee’s personal needs—such as health care, housing, and daily care.
- Conservatorship of the Estate
- Grants authority over the conservatee’s finances, property, and income. Often appointed when the conservatee owns assets or receives income.
- Powers
- The specific legal rights granted to the conservator, such as the ability to access records, make medical decisions, or control financial transactions.
- Probate Conservatorship
- The standard type of conservatorship handled through the probate court system. Includes both general and limited conservatorships.
- Regional Center
- A nonprofit agency that evaluates and supports individuals with developmental disabilities. Required to submit reports for limited conservatorships.
- Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Conservatorship
- Used for adults who are gravely disabled due to a mental health disorder or chronic substance abuse. Typically initiated through the mental health system, not probate court.
Make Your Free Consultation With A Conservatorship Attorney Today
When you need experienced and caring counsel, Prager Jones is the firm to serve you. We offer free initial consultations.
To schedule yours, please call us at 619-910-8274 or send us an email.
Our Conservatorship Attorneys
Serving the Best Interests of Our Clients
We follow the wisdom that placing the interests of our clients first causes everything else to fall into place. Our client-centric approach ensures that our clients’ needs are met and exceeded. Every case is approached with a “Client First” attitude. Our guiding principle is advocating for our clients as if they were our own friends and family.
Conservatorship Consultation Form
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