Personal estate planning counsel in Northern California
Tahoe City, California — North & West Shore, Lake Tahoe

Tahoe City · Conservatorship & Guardianship

Conservatorship Attorney in Tahoe City, CA

Court-supervised protection for an adult who can no longer manage alone — and the alternatives to consider first.

County
Placer County
Court
Superior Court of California, County of Placer
Route to our office
State Route 89 north to Truckee
Region
North & West Shore, Lake Tahoe

Protection, with the least restriction possible

A conservatorship gives a court-appointed person authority over an adult’s personal care, finances or both. For a Tahoe City resident, the petition is filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Placer. The Andrews Law Firm, P.C. helps families understand when a conservatorship is necessary and how to proceed.

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 Placer (Probate Code §1801).

Person, estate or both

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

Homes and community life in Tahoe City, California
Tahoe City Placer County, California

Alternatives come first

Courts consider less restrictive options — a durable power of attorney, an advance health care directive, a trust or supported decision-making — before appointing a conservator (Probate Code §1800.3).

Guardianship for minors

When a child needs a legal caregiver or someone to manage property, guardianship rather than conservatorship applies (Probate Code §1500 and following).

Worth settling early in Tahoe City.

Needs assessment
Is a conservatorship really required?
Court process
Petition, notice, investigator and hearing.
Ongoing duties
Inventories, accountings and reports on time.

California rules that apply in Placer County

The same state law, applied to Tahoe City property.

Tahoe City sits on the North and West Shores in Placer County, where lake-area homes and cabins are often held in a family for generations. A probate for a Tahoe City resident is generally filed in Placer County, and an inherited cabin that is not the heir's principal residence is reassessed under Proposition 19.

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 Tahoe City families.

How do I start a conservatorship for a parent in Tahoe City?
A petition is filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Placer, notice is given to relatives, a court investigator meets with the proposed conservatee and the court holds a hearing.
Can a power of attorney avoid a conservatorship?
Often. When a valid durable power of attorney and health care directive are in place, a conservatorship may not be needed.
What is a limited conservatorship?
A conservatorship for an adult with a developmental disability, tailored to the person’s needs and designed to encourage independence (Probate Code §1801(d)).
What does a conservator have to report?
A conservator of the estate files an inventory and periodic accountings with the court, and every conservator must act in the conservatee’s best interest.
Can a conservatorship be ended?
Yes. A conservatorship can be terminated by court order when it is no longer needed, and it ends at the conservatee’s death.

More answers in the full FAQ

Our office

10270 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161

Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM

Directions

From Tahoe City to a plan you can rely on.

From Tahoe City, take State Route 89 north to our office at 10270 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161. If the drive is difficult, ask about meeting arrangements when you call.