Understanding What Conservatorship Los Angeles Means For Senior Citizens

By Jessica Sanders


As people grow older, in California as elsewhere, they often fear the loss of their physical health, mental incapacity and financial difficulties. Most want to stay healthy and comfortable as long as possible, to remain independent and able to take care of themselves. There are times however when it becomes necessary for someone to take over responsibility of the senior's well being. At this point it may be time to create a conservatorship Los Angeles courts approve.

It is always preferable for arrangements to be made prior to any emergency. Unfortunately, sometimes a conservator has to decide what is in the best interest of the individual. Conservatorships may be limited or general. A general conservator has complete control over the decision making process for the senior citizen. In the case of limited conservatorships, this individual requires assistance in certain areas, but is able to make decisions for him or herself in other instances.

A general conservator makes the day to day decisions regarding an individual's well being. This can include anything from where they live to what they eat for supper. This custodian will decide whether a person can continue to drive and can consult with physicians to make medical decisions of the person's behalf. An estate conservator is someone appointed to handle the financial aspects of the individual's life. This includes any and all assets owned.

If the affected person has not made a preference for a custodian known, the courts can appoint one. Most courts prefer to appoint the closest relative possible because that person tends to know the individual best. Preferred conservators might include a spouse, a sibling, a grown child, or close friend.

Once the court has been petitioned to appoint a conservator, it will hand the matter over to an investigator. This person meets with the individual in question to make sure they understand how the conservatorship works. The investigator is required to report back to the judge in the case with a confidential analysis.

In the case of an emergency, the courts may decide to appoint a temporary guardian to take over the individual's care until a permanent custodian can be put in place. They are sometimes required in the event that a current guardian has been removed and a new one has not yet been approved. This temporary person's responsibility usually ends within sixty to ninety days.

Conservatorships will end under certain circumstances such as the death of the guardian or the conservatee. Occasionally someone is only temporarily incapacitated and can resume responsibility for him or herself. The courts can decide a conservator should be removed or replaced, and the custodian may petition the courts to allow them to step down from the responsibility.

Most people hope they will never be in a situation where they require the services to an official conservator. This is a safeguard put in place for the safety and peace of someone who no longer can care for themselves.




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