Probate Conservatorships Step By Step

Probate conservatorships are legal proceedings in which a court appoints an individual, known as a conservator, to manage the affairs of an incapacitated person, known as a conservatee. These proceedings are typically used when an individual is unable to make decisions for themselves due to a physical or mental condition, and a conservator is needed to ensure that the conservatee's needs are met and their assets are protected.

In Los Angeles County, the process of filing for and completing a conservatorship can be complex and time-consuming. This article will provide a step-by-step guide for those who are considering filing for a probate conservatorship in Los Angeles County, including information on the documents that need to be filed, the role of the court-appointed attorney, and the option to file electronically versus in person.

Step 1: Gather Information and Documents

The first step in filing for a probate conservatorship in Los Angeles County is to gather all of the necessary information and documents. This includes the conservatee's personal information, such as their name, date of birth, and contact information, as well as information about their physical and mental condition.

Additionally, you will need to provide information about the conservatee's assets, including any real estate they own, any bank accounts they have, and any other property they may have. This information is necessary to ensure that the conservatee's assets are protected and managed properly by the conservator.

You will also need to provide information about the proposed conservator, including their name, contact information, and a brief explanation of their relationship to the conservatee.

Step 2: File the Petition for Conservatorship

Once you have gathered all of the necessary information and documents, the next step is to file the petition for conservatorship with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This petition is a legal document that outlines the reasons why a conservatorship is necessary and requests that the court appoint a conservator.

The petition must be filed with the court in the county where the conservatee resides. In Los Angeles County, the petition must be filed with the Probate Division of the Superior Court.

Step 3: Appointment of Court-Appointed Attorney

After the petition for conservatorship is filed, the court will appoint an attorney to represent the conservatee. This attorney is known as the court-appointed attorney and is responsible for ensuring that the conservatee's rights are protected throughout the process.

The court-appointed attorney will review the petition and the information provided by the proposed conservator and will make recommendations to the court. They will also meet with the conservatee to ensure that their rights and interests are protected.

Step 4: Notice of Hearing

After the petition for conservatorship is filed, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether or not a conservatorship is necessary. The proposed conservator and the court-appointed attorney will be notified of the hearing date, and the conservatee will also be notified if they are able to understand the proceedings.

Step 5: Hearing

The hearing is where the court will make a decision on whether or not a conservatorship is necessary. At the hearing, the proposed conservator, the court-appointed attorney, and any other interested parties will be able to present evidence and testimony.

The court will consider all of the evidence and testimony presented and will make a decision on whether or not a conservatorship is necessary. If the court determines that a conservatorship is necessary, they will appoint a conservator and set up a plan to manage the conservatee's assets.

Step 6: Appointment of Conservator

Once the court determines that a conservatorship is necessary, they will appoint a conservator. This individual will be responsible for managing the conservatee's affairs and ensuring that their needs are met.

The conservator will be provided with a letter of appointment, which will specify the powers and responsibilities they have as a conservator. It is important to note that the court can appoint a family member, friend, or professional as a conservator.

Step 7: File Accounts and Reports

After the conservator is appointed, they will be required to file accounts and reports with the court on a regular basis. These reports will provide information on the conservatee's assets and expenses, and will be used to ensure that the conservator is managing the conservatee's affairs properly.

The conservator will also be required to file an annual report with the court, which will provide an overview of the conservatee's condition, their assets, and their expenses.

Step 8: Electronic Filing Option

In Los Angeles County, the option to file electronically is available for probate conservatorships. This option allows you to file the petition and other documents electronically, instead of in person. However, it is important to note that not all documents can be filed electronically and some documents still require an original signature.

Conclusion

Probate conservatorships in Los Angeles County can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, by understanding the steps involved and working with a court-appointed attorney, the process can be completed successfully. It is also important to note that electronic filing options are available in Los Angeles County. It is advisable to seek the help of a probate attorney to guide you through the process. Ultimately, the goal of a conservatorship is to ensure that the needs of the incapacitated individual are met and that their assets are protected.