Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator

The Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator's Office provides mandated estate administration and conservatorship services as specified by the Probate Code and Welfare & Institutions Code.  The organization of these services varies among counties.  The Public Guardian/Conservator and/or the Public Administrator is personally responsible for these functions, which are delegated within the department.

The Public Administrator is responsible for administrating the estate of a county resident who dies without a Will or family in California.  Estate administration may include marshaling all assets, selling real or personal property, performing heir searches, and overseeing the distribution of the estate.  The activities are supervised by the Superior Court. 

The Public Guardian/Conservator serves as conservator of a person and/or estate of individuals needing protective intervention.  The two types of conservatorships, Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) and Probate, can only be established by order of the Superior Court.  As Probate conservator, the Public Guardian/Conservators are involved in all aspects of their clients' lives, including financial management, housing, medical care, placement, and advocacy.  As LPS Public Guardian/Conservators, they are responsible for directing mental health treatment and placement of their clients.