Q: How do I go about reviewing my rights in my conservatorship if official information is withheld from me?
I'm just learning now that I'm a conservatee to a conservatorship that began in 2018 (my dad oversees it). I wasn't required to consent then or to be informed until 2024*. I'd like the court to review my case and update my rights. No one's ever mentioned a conservatorship to me though - not my dad, lawyers, the court, anyone. But I'm told I'm supposed to take action, it's in my ball park, but I don't know how to go about my dad/lawyers I don't know/the court at all. Can someone advise? (note: since 2018, if I ever demanded an explanation for anything, I'd be met with an outright lie, that's how communication is). FYI, the party informing me about my conservatorship is an interested party and authority over the conservatorship (but isn't legally/technically true or applicable here), but communication between me and this party is off-the-record and official information is still withheld from me (like my lawyers' contact information, my case, etc.) *according to aforementioned authority
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Here are key steps you can take to review your conservatorship rights:
Start by contacting the probate court in the county where your conservatorship was established - in this case, Los Angeles County Superior Court. You have the right to request copies of all documents related to your case, including the original petition and any subsequent orders. You can do this in person at the courthouse or through their website.
If you're facing resistance or deception from your conservator, you can file a petition with the court requesting an investigation or modification of the conservatorship. The court can appoint a court investigator to review your situation, and you have the right to your own legal representation - if you cannot afford an attorney, ask the court about appointed counsel. You can also contact California's Adult Protective Services or the Disability Rights Legal Center in Los Angeles for additional support.
Given the complex nature of your situation and the apparent lack of transparency, document everything - keep records of all interactions, attempts to obtain information, and any instances where information was withheld or misrepresented. Consider requesting an emergency hearing if you believe your rights are being violated, and remember that as a conservatee, you have the right to petition the court to end or modify the conservatorship at any time.
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