Guardianships and Conservatorships

Guardianships and Conservatorships are very similar proceedings. Specifically, Guardianships are for minor children and Conservatorships are for adults. A Guardianship or Conservatorship can be of the person, of the estate, or both. A guardianship or conservatorship can be set up as part of an overall estate plan.

• Minor children who have their own estate may need to have that estate supervised by the Court in certain circumstances. Minor children with or without assets may need to have their food, clothing, and shelter provided for by a Guardian.
• When an adult can no longer take care of their financial matters, a Conservator of the estate may be appointed on the Petition of an interested party. If the adult cannot provide for their own food, clothing and shelter, a Conservator of the person may also be appointed.
• The Guardian or Conservator must prepare an accounting to the Court one year after the guardianship or Conservatorship begins, and then every other year thereafter. It is important that detailed records be kept of all expenditures of estate assets for presentation to the Court.

Probate attorney Linda Ross Myers provides skilled legal services in the areas of probate, wills, trusts and estate planning to those in the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact her today at 415-230-5347.