Monterey Bay Forum

In California, most conservatorships granted are “limited” conservatorships and typically up to seven (7) powers can be removed.  Control over medical decisions, over financial decisions and over educational decisions are three of the seven powers typically removed from the conservatee and given to the conservator.

Having a co-conservator to serve with the conservator who can act equally with the conservator is frequently helpful.  So, think about whether it might be wise to have a co-conservator on the Petition.

In Santa Cruz County you can get assistance and file In Pro Per without the assistance of a lawyer.

Once you have a PR number assisgned and are given a Hearing Date be sure to give Notice of Hearing to the regional center closest to you.

The Hearing Date and PR number are necessary for the regional center to prepare the required report and provide it to Superior Court. The regional center is requred by law to provide a report to Superior Court once there is a stamp from the clerk of the court.

The whole process of getting a Limited Conservatorship is paper intensive and about 18 different pieces of paper may be required.

The paperwork typically provided to the regional center include: CG-020 Notice of Hearing – Guardianship or Cnservatorship
GC-310 Petition for Appointment of Probate Conservator of the Person – 7 pgs

Attachment 1c: If no other assets, then no bond required
Attachment 1h list of the powers (e.g., medical, educational, contract) requested under 2351.5

Attachment 1l request that the signature of either co-conservator

Attachment 3f(1) list of the only living 1st and 2nd degree relatives
Attachment 3f(2) who the proposed con-conservator is

To find out about the powers that can be removed, GOOGLE  California Probate Code and look at Section 2351.5 which lists the specific powers.  See below:  (more…)

The regional centers in California assist persons who are substantially disabled in several areas and have a diagnosis of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy or seizure disorders. Licensed psychologists employed by the regional centers assess and make the diagnosis and the regional center clinical team determines substantial handicap and eligibility.

Is the applicant substantially handicapped in several areas? To determine substantial handicap there are various rating scales that can assist. Gathering rating information from both the family and also another source (such as a teacher or social worker) is typically done. The Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS) is one quite good rating scale that may be used.