Are you concerned about the situation of a spouse or relative? If they are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves, you may need to step in. You may wish to have yourself legally appointed as the conservator of their affairs. This is a step that will have to be legally recognized by a court in California.
What is a conservator appointed to do?
A conservatorship is a legal arrangement by which the court appoints you to a specific position. This will be as the official conservator of the estate of a person who is incapacitated and unable to care for themselves.
You can also be appointed to oversee the affairs of a minor who is too young to take care of themselves. You will oversee such issues as physical care and managing their day-to-day lives. This is not exactly the same position as a guardian appointed by the court. However, you can legally serve in both roles.
Is the arrangement general or limited?
There are a number of different types of conservatorships that you will need to be aware of. Most of these will fall under the nature of a general or limited arrangement.
Under the terms of a general conservatorship, you will be the one making the majority of the decisions. The person whose affairs this arrangement concerns has little or no power in this regard. However, the choices that you make on their behalf will be subject to supervision by the court that appointed you.
A limited conservatorship means that the person who is being cared for will continue to make the majority of their own decisions. The only exceptions in this case will be the financial and personal issues that the court has ordered you to personally oversee. It will be to your benefit to learn about the responsibilities associated with becoming conservator.