The Public Guardian provides a vital service to persons unable to properly care for themselves or who are unable to manage their finances. The service is provided through a legal process known as conservatorship. Persons in need of conservatorship are physically or mentally disabled to the point where they cannot utilize community services and resources. They usually have no family or friends able or willing to help.
The Public Guardian-Conservator serves as conservator of a person and/or estate of individuals needing protective intervention. The two types of conservatorship, Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) and probate, can only be established by order of the superior court. As probate conservator, Public Guardians are involved in all aspects of their clients’ lives, including financial management, housing, medical care, placement, and advocacy. As LPS conservator, Public Conservators are responsible for directing the mental health treatment and placement of their clients. Referrals for probate conservatorship usually come from another community agency, institution, or physician. Referrals for LPS conservatorship can only come from a psychiatrist who is affiliated with a Short-Doyle hospital.
Who can file for Conservatorship: A relative, friend, public official, non-profit agency or professional conservator may petition the court to be appointed as the Probate Conservator. The petition must be prove to the court by clear and convincing evidence that the appointment is needed. Generally a petitioner to become the conservator is represented by an attorney. The Office of the Public Guardian does not provide legal information or direction. Information can be obtained by a private attorney or Calaveras Self-help legal Center at (209) 754-1443.
If you have questions regarding conservatorship, please reach out to the Office of the Public Guardian by phone at (209) 754-6452.
Calaveras County Office of the Public Guardian
Calaveras Health and Human Services
509 E. St Charles Street
San Andreas, CA 95249