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Torrance Conservatorship Attorneys

Conservatorship Lawyers Serving the South Bay, Los Angeles & Orange County

California Estate & Trust Litigation Attorneys
Protecting Legacies • Resolving Disputes
📞 Call for clarity before conflict

Our attorneys represent clients in California conservatorship matters in Torrance, the South Bay, Los Angeles County, and Orange County. We assist families, professional fiduciaries, and proposed conservators with establishing conservatorships, navigating court procedures, and fulfilling the ongoing legal responsibilities required by the California Probate Code.

At Wickers, Wickers & Admans LLP, conservatorships are an important part of our trust and estate law practice. Our attorneys in Torrance, in the greater Los Angeles County represent family members, professional conservators, and concerned loved ones seeking court protection for individuals who are unable to manage their personal care or financial affairs.

Our attorneys have extensive experience appearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court Probate Division and Orange County Probate Court in matters involving conservatorships, probate administration, trust matters, and estate litigation.

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Experienced Conservatorship Attorneys in Torrance

Our partners Christina M. Wickers Herman and Alexandra L. Admans have been recognized on the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list as top-rated Trusts and Estates attorneys in Southern California.

The firm’s experience in conservatorship matters is strengthened by the long history of court involvement by our founding partner.

Retired Attorney Rodney W. Wickers served for more than ten years as Court Appointed Counsel for the Probate Volunteer Panel (now Court Appointed Counsel) in Los Angeles County, representing Proposed Conservatees and Conservatees and assisting the court in determining the individual’s wishes and best interests.

Continuing this tradition, Christina M. Wickers Herman has served as Court Appointed Counsel in the Los Angeles Superior Court since 2018, representing individuals involved in conservatorship proceedings.

This background provides our firm with valuable insight into how conservatorship courts evaluate capacity, care, and financial management decisions.

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What Is a Conservatorship in California?

A conservatorship is a legal relationship created by the court when an adult is unable to manage their personal care, medical decisions, or financial affairs.

The court may appoint a Conservator to act on behalf of the Conservatee, who is the individual requiring assistance.

In California, there are generally two primary types of conservatorships:

Conservator of the Person

A Conservator of the Person helps manage the daily living needs and medical decisions of the Conservatee, including:

• Arranging medical care

• Determining living arrangements

• Ensuring proper nutrition and personal care

• Coordinating services for the Conservatee’s wellbeing

Conservator of the Estate

A Conservator of the Estate manages the financial affairs of the Conservatee, including:

• Managing bank accounts and investments

• Paying bills and expenses

• Protecting assets and property

• Filing financial accountings with the court

In some cases, the same individual may serve as Conservator of both the Person and the Estate.

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When Should a Conservatorship Be Considered?

A conservatorship may be appropriate when an adult lacks the mental capacity to:

• Give informed consent to medical treatment

• Manage financial affairs

• Enter into contracts

• Protect themselves from financial exploitation or undue influence

In these circumstances, a conservatorship can help protect the health, safety, and financial stability of the vulnerable individual.

Our attorneys help families evaluate whether a conservatorship is appropriate and guide them through the legal process required to obtain court approval.

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How to Become a Conservator in California

A person becomes a Conservator only after being appointed by the court. The process generally involves:

1. Filing a Petition for Conservatorship in the Probate Court

2. Providing notice to relatives and interested parties

3. Investigation by a court investigator

4. A court hearing to determine whether the conservatorship is appropriate

5. However, the appointment may be contested and require settlement, mediation or trial.

If appointed, the Conservator becomes a fiduciary, meaning they must act in the best interests of the Conservatee and comply with duties imposed by the California Probate Code.

Our firm assists clients throughout every step of the conservatorship process, including:

• Preparing and filing conservatorship petitions

• Obtaining required fiduciary bonds

• Advising conservators regarding their legal responsibilities

• Preparing required court accountings and reports

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Conservator Duties and Court Reporting Requirements

Conservators must regularly report to the court regarding the care and finances of the Conservatee.

These responsibilities often include:

• Filing periodic accountings of income and expenditures

• Reporting on the health and welfare of the Conservatee

• Seeking court approval for certain financial transactions

• Requesting authorization for major decisions such as selling property

Accountings are typically required every one to three years, depending on the court’s instructions.

Our attorneys assist conservators in preparing accurate accountings and court filings to ensure compliance with probate court requirements.

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Conservatorship Litigation and Disputes

While many conservatorships are cooperative family matters, disputes sometimes arise among family members or interested parties.

Our attorneys are experienced probate litigators who represent clients in contested conservatorship matters involving:

• Challenges to the appointment of a conservator

• Disputes between family members

• Allegations of financial misconduct

• Petitions to remove or replace a conservator

Whenever possible, we work to encourage cooperation and resolution among family members. However, when necessary, we are prepared to advocate aggressively for our clients through trial and appeals.

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Determining Legal Capacity Under California Law

Under California law, adults are presumed to have the capacity to make their own decisions unless proven otherwise.

In conservatorship proceedings, the court must evaluate evidence to determine whether the individual lacks capacity.

Relevant evidence may include:

• The person’s awareness of their surroundings

• Ability to recognize family and friends

• Memory and concentration abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Logical reasoning and judgment

• Presence of hallucinations or delusions

These evaluations help the court determine whether a conservatorship is necessary to protect the individual.

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Conservatorship Attorneys Serving Torrance, the South Bay & Los Angeles

Our firm represents clients throughout:

• Torrance

• Redondo Beach

• Manhattan Beach

• Hermosa Beach

• Palos Verdes

• Long Beach

• Los Angeles County

• Orange County

We regularly appear in Los Angeles County Probate Court and Orange County Probate Court in matters involving conservatorships, probate estates, and trust litigation.

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Speak With a Conservatorship Attorney

If you believe a loved one may need protection through a California conservatorship, or if you have been asked to serve as a Conservator, experienced legal guidance can help ensure the process is handled properly.

Our attorney’s assist families and fiduciaries in navigating the conservatorship process while protecting the best interests of the individual involved.

📞 Call today for clarity (310) 540-2520.