Orange County Guardianship & Conservatorship Services

Guardianship vs. Conservatorship — Understanding the Difference

Families often know they need court authority to help a loved one but are unsure which process applies. While guardianship and conservatorship are similar, they serve different purposes.

• Guardianship applies to minors (children under 18)
• Conservatorship applies to adults who cannot manage their personal or financial affairs

Choosing the correct filing at the outset is critical to avoid delays, rejections, or unnecessary court appearances.

What Is a Guardianship?

A guardianship is a probate court proceeding in which an adult is appointed to care for a minor child when a parent is unable, unavailable, or unfit to do so.

Guardianships may involve:

• Care, custody, and supervision of a minor
• Authority over medical, educational, and day-to-day decisions
• Temporary or long-term arrangements
• Situations involving illness, death, incarceration, or incapacity of a parent

Guardianship cases are filed in the Probate Division, even though they involve children.

What Is a Conservatorship?

A conservatorship is a probate court proceeding in which an adult is appointed to assist or manage the affairs of another adult who cannot adequately care for themselves or manage their finances.

Conservatorships may involve adults who:

• Have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Have developmental disabilities
• Have serious mental health conditions
• Are physically incapacitated or vulnerable

There are two main types:

• Conservatorship of the Person – personal care, medical, and living decisions
• Conservatorship of the Estate – financial and property management

Some cases require both.

Orange County Guardianship & Conservatorship Services We Provide

Guardianship (Minor)

• Guardianship petitions and supporting documents
• Temporary guardianship filings (when appropriate)
• Proposed orders and court-required attachments
• Ongoing guardianship document support

Conservatorship (Adult)

• Conservatorship of the Person petitions
• Conservatorship of the Estate petitions
• Capacity declarations and required court forms
• Proposed orders and supporting documentation
• Ongoing conservatorship document support

General Support

• Intake review and eligibility screening
• Document organization and court-ready packet preparation
• Guidance on procedural steps and timelines

If you are unsure whether guardianship or conservatorship applies, we help identify the correct process before documents are prepared.

Who These Services Are For

• Parents or relatives caring for minor children
• Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or family members stepping in to provide care
• Adults caring for aging parents
• Families dealing with dementia, disability, or incapacity
• Individuals seeking court authority to protect a vulnerable loved one

We regularly assist Orange County families navigating emotionally difficult situations who need structure, clarity, and procedural support. our Guardianship and Conservatorship services is also available for Fresno Residents.

How It Works

1. Complete the Intake Form – Guardianship or Conservatorship, depending on your situation.
2. Process Confirmation – We confirm the correct court process applies.
3. Document Preparation – Required court forms and attachments are prepared.
4. Final Review & Filing Preparation – You review the final documents and we process court filing submission.

Call: (949)432-4700

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide legal advice?
No. We provide legal information necessary for you to proceed with confidence, document preparation and self-help services.

Can guardianship or conservatorship be temporary?
Yes. Temporary guardianships and temporary conservatorships may be available depending on the circumstances.

Do conservatorships require court hearings?
Yes. Conservatorships involve court oversight and judicial approval.

Can you help if there is family disagreement?
We can assist with document preparation and organization. Contested matters may require an attorney.

Do you offer flat fees?
Yes. Many guardianship and conservatorship services are offered at flat fees depending on complexity.