Personal estate planning counsel in Northern California
Truckee, California — Truckee & Donner Summit

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.

County
Nevada County
Court
Superior Court of California, County of Nevada
Our office
In town · 10270 Donner Pass Road
Region
Truckee & Donner Summit

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.

Before a petition

From least to most restrictive.

California courts look at less restrictive alternatives before appointing a conservator (Probate Code §1800.3).

  1. Durable power of attorney

    An agent handles finances — no court involved.

  2. Advance health care directive

    An agent makes medical decisions — no court involved.

  3. Trust with a successor trustee

    Trust property is managed without a court.

  4. Supported decision-making

    The adult keeps deciding, with help from trusted supporters.

  5. Limited conservatorship

    For adults with developmental disabilities, tailored to their needs (Probate Code §1801(d)).

  6. Conservatorship of the person or estate

    A court-appointed conservator, supervised by the Superior Court of California, County of Nevada (Probate Code §1801).

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.

An adult daughter holding her elderly father’s hand on a porch in Truckee, California
Truckee Nevada County, California

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.

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.

Worth settling early in Truckee.

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.

California rules that apply in Nevada County

The same state law, applied to Truckee property.

Truckee households often combine full-time residents with owners of second homes in neighborhoods such as Tahoe Donner. Truckee is in Nevada County, so a probate or conservatorship for a Truckee resident is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Nevada.

Read the full conservatorship & guardianship guide
  • Of the person · Of the estateTwo kinds

    A conservator of the person oversees care; a conservator of the estate manages finances. A court can appoint one or both (Probate Code §1801).

  • For developmental disabilitiesLimited conservatorship

    Tailored to the adult’s needs and designed to encourage independence (Probate Code §1801(d)).

  • Least restrictive optionAlternatives first

    Courts consider alternatives such as powers of attorney, health care directives and supported decision-making before appointing a conservator (Probate Code §1800.3).

In clients’ own words.

All client reviews
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Ronald Schmader profile picture
Ronald Schmader
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As grieving parents of our deceased son, we were in need of guidance with regard to what do we do next. Our son was without a will and, we had no experience with how to proceed. Luckily, we contacted Elane at the Andrews Law Firm Truckee who immediately understood our situation and was able to provide the information we needed and the necessary legal paperwork to resolve our problem. Our problem was magnified by the fact that we live in Milwaukee and involved my son's car for which we could not find the title. Rather than have to return to Truckee after 40 days to request a new title, Elane assisted us in creating a power attorney for a friend in Truckee which negated our having to return to Truckee from Milwaukee to simply apply for a new title. We are very appreciative with the help we found at The Andres Law Firm Truckee. Thank you, Elaine!
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David VanderJagt profile picture
David VanderJagt
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We really appreciate all the excellent work the Andrew’s Law Firm has done with updating our Trust. Her attention to detail is very appreciated and guiding us through our Trust planning has been exemplary . David and Linda VanderJagt
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I “Sue” S profile picture
I “Sue” S
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Quick and efficient handling of my new Trust.
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Stephanie (Lady Lebala) profile picture
Stephanie (Lady Lebala)
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We were referred to Elaine Andrew's law firm through a friend and I'm very happy we went and sat down with her. She quickly recognized a few mistakes in our previous trust and worked to correct them and ensure that our trust followed all legal requirements. We now feel confident that we have a very solid trust for the future.
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Cindy Ann Homer profile picture
Cindy Ann Homer
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Elaine was very supportive and professional. She sincerely listened to my concerns and questions. She advised me of California Laws and guided me through the process of what steps would be the best for preparing my will. Kenneth reviewed page by page of my will with me (before signing) and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend The Andrews Law Firm they made my dreaded will preparation bearable. Thank you.
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Linda Smith profile picture
Linda Smith
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Process was quick and easy. Appreciated all the help they provided.

This testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

Frequently asked questions

Questions from Truckee families.

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.

More answers in the full FAQ

Our office

10270 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161

Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM

Directions

Right here in Truckee.

Our office is at 10270 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161. Ask about meeting arrangements if getting to the office is difficult.