What happens when a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves—and you have to step in?

Maybe it is an aging parent with worsening dementia. Maybe it is an adult sibling with a serious disability. In California, becoming a conservator allows you to legally take on responsibility for someone who can no longer manage their personal or financial affairs.

But taking on that role comes with weighty responsibilities, court oversight, and legal expectations. At Sole Law, APC, we help clients across San Diego understand what it really means to serve as a conservator—and how to navigate the process the right way.

What Is a Conservator?

A conservator is a person appointed by a California court to care for another adult who is unable to manage their own personal or financial matters. That adult is referred to as the “conservatee.”

There are two main types of conservatorships in California:

Conservator of the Person – Responsible for personal care, living arrangements, and medical decisions.

Conservator of the Estate – Manages the conservatee’s money, bills, assets, and financial planning.

In some cases, one person handles both roles.

What Are the Duties of a Conservator?

If you are appointed as a conservator, the court will expect you to act in the best interests of the conservatee at all times. Your duties may include:

Managing Finances: Pay bills, safeguard assets, track expenses, and ensure responsible use of the conservatee’s income or estate. This includes following California Probate Code sections that govern fiduciary duties and reporting.

Coordinating Personal Care: Arrange for housing, medical care, transportation, and daily needs. This may also include managing caregivers or care facilities.

Making Major Decisions: You may be called on to approve medical treatments, change living situations, or handle legal and financial matters on behalf of the conservatee.

Being a conservator is not just about stepping in—it is about doing so lawfully, transparently, and with respect for the person’s dignity.

What Are the Court’s Reporting Requirements?

Conservators in California are legally required to provide regular updates to the court. This includes:

• A detailed inventory of the conservatee’s assets
• An annual accounting of income and expenses
• Reports on the conservatee’s health and living situation

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to court intervention or removal. A conservatorship attorney in San Diego, CA can help ensure all paperwork and filings are accurate and timely.

Why Work With a Conservatorship Attorney in San Diego, CA?

Conservatorship is often an emotional and legally complex process. From the initial petition to ongoing compliance, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. That is where working with an experienced attorney makes a real difference.

At Sole Law, APC, we guide families through every stage of conservatorship, including:

• Filing for temporary or general conservatorship
• Attending court hearings
• Ensuring compliance with California Probate Code
• Advising on long-term decision-making and reporting

Whether you are just starting to explore your options or already appointed and need help fulfilling your duties, we are here to provide clarity, compassion, and legal strength.

Take the Next Step With Trusted Legal Support

Serving as a conservator means stepping into a position of great trust—and great responsibility. Let Sole Law, APC help you do it right. If you have questions or need support with a conservatorship matter, contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced conservatorship attorney in San Diego, CA.