How to File for a Conservatorship for an Elderly Parent in California
If you are concerned about your elderly parent's mental or physical capacity in making sound decisions, consider applying for conservator. In California, your parent can nominate someone to become conservator. When no one is named, you can file a petition for conservatorship. After filing the petition, a court investigator will talk to your parent to assess the need for conservatorship. The court will appoint the proposed conservator, unless it is not in your parent's best interests. Setting up conservatorship is a long process, initiated by filing the petition.
Review the types of conservatorship. A conservator of the person cares for the person and makes medical decisions. The conservator of the estate handles financial matters. Being appointed conservator of the person does not automatically give you control over the parent's estate.
Step 2Obtain the Petition for the Appointment of Probate Conservator. Forms are available at your local county courthouse, law library or online through the California Judicial Branch website.
Step 3Check the box indicating the type of conservatorship you are requesting. If you want to be appointed conservator of both, you will need to check both boxes on the petition.
Step 4Identify yourself as the petitioner. Write your name and address.
Step 5Complete information about your parent. Write your parent's name and address. Answer whether or not your parent is a resident of California.
Step 6Answer questions pertaining to the petitioner. Confirm you are not a creditor or debtor. Check the box that states you are a relative. List your relationship as "child."
Step 7State the reason why your parent requires a conservator. You can attach a separate document providing supporting facts or write directly on the petition.
Step 8List the names of your parent's living relatives to your knowledge. Include his spouse, parent, children, grandchildren and siblings. Provide the address and relationship to your parent. The petition provides a space for up to 15 relatives, but allows you to include an attachment if you need to list more.
Step 9Sign and date the petition, swearing the information you provide is true and correct.
Step 10File your completed petition with the clerk of the California probate court. A court hearing will be scheduled.
Step 11Pay the filing fee and investigator's fee.
Step 12Inform your parent you are petitioning for conservator. Someone else must personally deliver a citation and a copy of the petition to your parent.
Step 13Ask someone else to mail a written notice about the court hearing along with a copy of the petition to your parent's spouse and close relatives.
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Writer Bio
Jeannine Mancini, a Florida native, has been writing business and personal finance articles since 2003. Her articles have been published in the Florida Today and Orlando Sentinel. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida.