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 unsettling for some to think about end of life issues like making a will and letting certain family members know how long they want their life prolonged medically and whether they wish to be buried or cremated. If they don't do these things a conservator may end up making the decisions for them. A general conservator is one who makes all an individual's decisions, and a limited conservator is appointed to help out in the areas where the senior is having trouble.

The conservator of an individual makes decisions in every part of that person's physical life. This may include where the senior citizen lives, what kind of medical attention he or she receives, and even what the person's diet consists of. A conservator of an estate is in charge of the elderly individual's financial situation. This person is responsible for making sure all expenses are paid and will determine how assets are be managed.

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.

The responsibilities of a general or estate conservator end upon the death of the person in their care. Occasionally an elderly individual can prove their situation has improved to an extent that a guardian is no longer necessary or only necessary for certain aspects of their life.

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.




About the Author: