What is a conservatorship?
As defined by Nolo's Legal Dictionary, conservatorship is a “legal arrangement that gives an adult the court-ordered authority and responsibility to manage another adult’s financial affairs.” The Riverside County Superior Court adds that the “conservator is responsible for the conservatee’s daily needs.”
There are three types of conservatorship:
- General Probate Conservatorship: For adults who are incapable of providing for their personal needs due to physical injury, mental illnesses or other reasons.
- Limited Conservatorship: Only for those who are developmentally disabled; powers for the conservator are limited, enabling the conservatee to live as independently as possible.
- Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Conservatorship: For gravely disabled persons who may be a danger to themselves or others; Might require hospitalization in a facility; Conservator must be reappointed annually; protective measures are utilized to ensure the conservatee’s civil rights are not being violated.
Recommended Resources
Online:
California Judicial Branch Self-Help Guide: Conservatorhip Index
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside Self-Help: Conservatorship
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside Conservatorship Brouchure
Books:
(All titles are available electronically from any RCLL location unless otherwise noted. Ask staff about remote availability.)
California Conservatorship Practice (CEB)
Available in print: Riverside, Palm Springs
Call Number: KFC 112 .C355 CEB
Fiduciary Accounting Handbook (CEB)
Available in print: Riverside, Palm Springs
Call Number: KFC 188.A15 F53 CEB
Handbook for Conservators (Judicial Council of California)
Available in print: Riverside
Call Number: KFC 112 .H36 2002
View PDF Version
California Jurisprudence 3d. (Westlaw)
Available in print: Riverside, Palm Springs, Temecula
Call Number: KFC 65. C343
See Volume 24
Pertinent California Codes:
CA Probate Code Sec.1400-1490
CA Probate Code Sec.2100-2893
Please Note: The information presented in this research guide is intended to provide a
foundation for legal research. For information pertaining to your case please consult with an
attorney, court facilitator, or specialist.
Revised 10/29/25
