Careful guidance for sensitive decisions

Conservatorship Attorney in Truckee, CA

Understand the court process, available alternatives, and responsibilities involved when an adult may need help with personal or financial decisions.

Free consultation (530) 550-8736

Counsel: Elaine Andrews, Certified Specialist
Office: 10270 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
First meeting: Free initial consultation

§ 1

Start with the person and their needs

The Andrews Law Firm assists families considering conservatorship and people navigating an existing matter. The discussion centers on the adult’s circumstances, rights, and the scope of assistance needed.

§ 2

Understand the court’s role

A conservatorship requires a court decision under applicable legal standards. A diagnosis or physical limitation alone does not automatically establish a need for court-appointed authority.

Conservatorship & Guardianship · Truckee, California

§ 3

Personal care and financial matters

A conservatorship of the person concerns personal needs; a conservatorship of the estate concerns finances. The authority granted depends on the court’s order.

§ 4

Review alternatives and future planning

Consider less restrictive options and existing estate documents before pursuing a conservatorship. Discuss how conservatorship differs from guardianship and what future planning may address.

California at a glance

Conservatorship & Guardianship, by the numbers that matter.

Two kinds: Of the person · Of the estateA conservator of the person oversees care; a conservator of the estate manages finances. A court can appoint one or both (Probate Code §1801).
Limited conservatorship: For developmental disabilitiesTailored to the adult’s needs and designed to encourage independence (Probate Code §1801(d)).
Alternatives first: Least restrictive optionCourts consider alternatives such as powers of attorney, health care directives and supported decision-making before appointing a conservator (Probate Code §1800.3).
Minors: GuardianshipGuardianship addresses the care or property of a minor child (Probate Code §1500 and following); conservatorship addresses adults.

General California and federal information current as of 2026. Figures adjust over time and every situation is different; confirm how a rule applies to you before acting.

Where careful planning pays off.

Court preparation: Guidance on required documents and hearings.
Conservator responsibilities: Understand the duties tied to an appointment.
Continuing support: Address questions as a conservatorship develops.

How conservatorship & guardianship moves forward.

Four stages, with direct attorney guidance from the first conversation to the last document.

Stage 1
Consultation
Describe the person’s needs, current documents and who is helping today.
Stage 2
Alternatives
Review powers of attorney, directives, trusts and supported decision-making first.
Stage 3
Petition & hearing
Prepare the petition, notices and investigator steps the court requires.
Stage 4
Ongoing duties
Support the conservator or guardian with reports, accountings and court deadlines.

In clients’ own words.

All client reviews

Read our reviews on GoogleEvery review is posted by a client directly on the firm’s Google Business Profile.

Frequently asked questions

Questions clients ask about conservatorship & guardianship.

Straight answers to start with. Bring your own documents and circumstances to a free consultation for advice that fits.

All frequently asked questions

What should I bring to a consultation?

Bring existing powers of attorney, health care documents, relevant court papers, and a summary of concerns. Explain what help is needed and what assistance is already in place.

Does a diagnosis automatically require conservatorship?

No. The court considers the applicable legal standards and whether less restrictive assistance is appropriate. The person’s needs and available alternatives require an individual review.

Can I ask about alternatives first?

Yes. Explain the decisions causing difficulty and bring existing planning documents. The consultation can explore whether another arrangement may address those needs.

What if I have already been appointed conservator?

Bring the appointment order and subsequent court instructions. A review can focus on your authority, responsibilities, pending requirements, and questions about carrying out your role.

Can a family member simply take over finances?

Family relationships alone do not establish authority over an adult’s affairs. Bring any existing authorization documents so the attorney can review the appropriate next steps.

Beyond Truckee

Conservatorship & Guardianship in nearby communities.

Elaine serves clients from Truckee across the Lake Tahoe region, the Northern Sierra, Sacramento and the Central Valley, and the Bay Area. See all service areas.

Connected decisions

Start with one clear conversation.

Bring your questions, your documents and the decisions you want help with. The first consultation is free.

Request a consultation (530) 550-8736