There may come a time when an adult in your family is no longer able to make decisions for themselves. In California, when someone cannot manage their health or finances because of incapacity, the court can step in by appointing a conservator. For many families, the word “conservatorship” carries weight — it is both a safeguard and a serious responsibility. Understanding the two main types of conservatorships in California, medical and financial, can help you make informed choices about how best to protect your loved one.

A conservatorship of the person, often called a medical conservatorship, is designed to protect an adult who cannot make decisions about their personal care. The conservator is responsible for ensuring the conservatee receives proper medical treatment, has a safe place to live, and is supported in daily activities. In practice, this may mean making decisions about hospital care, arranging long-term support, or choosing doctors and treatment plans. For families, it provides peace of mind that someone is legally authorized to step in when a loved one cannot advocate for themselves.

By contrast, a conservatorship of the estate focuses on finances. This conservator manages income, pays bills, protects assets, and ensures that financial resources are used for the benefit of the conservatee. In California, this role can include handling everything from routine banking to the sale of real property. Conservators of the estate must file accountings with the court and are held to a high fiduciary standard — ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of another person’s finances.

Sometimes, the same person serves as both medical and financial conservator. In other cases, especially when estates are complex, one individual may handle personal care while another manages finances. Either way, conservatorships are closely monitored by the court to protect vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect.

It is important to recognize that conservatorships are not entered into lightly. The court requires clear evidence of incapacity and careful consideration of less restrictive alternatives. In many families, advance planning with powers of attorney and health care directives can avoid the need for a conservatorship altogether. But when those tools are not in place, or when disputes arise, a conservatorship may become the only option.

For families across Southern California, conservatorships often involve aging parents with dementia, adults with serious illness, or loved ones with developmental disabilities who need ongoing support. The process can feel overwhelming — balancing the emotional weight of a loved one’s decline with the legal responsibilities of petitioning the court.

At Golden Grove Law PC, we guide families through every step of California’s conservatorship process with clarity and compassion. Whether you are seeking to establish a medical or financial conservatorship, or both, we help you understand your options, prepare the necessary filings, and ensure that your loved one’s dignity and wellbeing remain at the center of the process.