Nevada County Office of the Public Guardian/Public Conservator
P.O. Box 1210
Nevada City, CA 95959
530-265-1639

When no other alternatives are available, the Office of the Public Guardian/Public Conservator (PG/PC) provides assistance for the person who is unable to care for his or her personal needs or financial resources. Because of the potential consequences of such action it is suggested that one seek counsel or assistance from The Public Law Library.

Public Guardian/Conservator

Conservators arrange for the personal care of an individual or the management of his or her financial affairs. Working under appointment by the court, a conservator may be assigned to either a person or an estate, or both.

The conservator for a person arranges for the conservatee's:

• appropriate housing
  
• health and medical care
  
• food and clothing
  
• housekeeping and personal care
  
• transportation and recreation
  
• Represents or obtains representation for the conservatee in all legal matters

The conservator for an estate:

• manages all aspects of the conservatee's finances
  
• locates, controls, and protects the conservatee's assets
  
• applies for benefits, files accountings, completes inventory, invests and pays bills, etc.

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There are two units within the PA/PG/PC that provide conservatorships of persons. There are two types of conservaterships:

LPS (Lanterman, Petris, Short Act): /b>assists those who are:

• gravely disabled due to a mental disorder or chronic alcoholism and unable to provide for basic needs; food shelter and clothing.
  
• referred by a psychiatrist associated with a Short-Doyle facility, veteran's hospital, state hospital or Nevada County Behavioral Health Department
  
• approved for conservatorship following an investigation and court hearing
  
• If permanent conservatorship is appointed, it terminates one year from the date of appointment unless another petition is filed.

Probate Conservatorship assists when a person is:

• unable to provide for his or her physical needs (safety, food, shelter, and clothing), or manage financial resources
  
• referred by a relative, friend, public official, public agencies, or the Probate Court
  
• approved for conservatorship following an investigation and court hearing
  
• terminated by the Court if no longer needed or by death of conservatee

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It is important to be aware that a conservatorship is a serious legal process and it is not intended for immediate emergency intervention. Implementation of a conservatorship often results in an individual losing several, if not all, of their civil rights. The Court will determine based on recommendations which rights will be lost and retained. If there is an immediate concern regarding an elder or dependent adult, please contact the Adult Protective Services office at 530-265-1639.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, CALL 9-1-1.