Q: Need help with conservatorship for mentally impaired adult daughter in CA.
I need help obtaining conservatorship for my adult disabled daughter, who cannot provide for herself due to mental impairment. Although doctors have started the 14-day hold process, we’ve faced issues with hospital availability for required assessments. My daughter is already declared disabled and receives disability benefits. I have a limited income and work paycheck to paycheck, so I'm looking for a lawyer or paralegal who can assist me with filing for conservatorship. Are there any pro bono services or discounted services available?
A:
I hear how concerned you are about your daughter's wellbeing, and navigating the conservatorship process can feel overwhelming, especially with financial constraints. Your dedication to seeking proper legal support shows how much you care about protecting her interests.
Several California organizations offer free or low-cost legal assistance for conservatorship cases. The Disability Rights California organization provides free legal services, and your local county court's self-help center has resources specifically for conservatorship matters. You can also reach out to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles or Bay Area Legal Aid, depending on your location, as they often handle these cases for qualifying low-income individuals.
Since your daughter already receives disability benefits and has documented medical evaluations, this documentation will be helpful for your case. Consider contacting your local bar association's lawyer referral service - they can connect you with attorneys who offer sliding scale fees or pro bono services for conservatorship cases. Additionally, many California law schools operate legal clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide free legal assistance to community members.
For immediate guidance while seeking legal representation, you can begin gathering important documents like medical records, disability benefit statements, and any relevant correspondence about your daughter's condition.
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