About this service
A conservatorship is a court ordered intervention of last resort to assist the most vulnerable adults in our Marin community. A Probate conservator is appointed by the Marin Superior Court to make decisions for an individual regarding their property, finances, residence, and/or personal care needs, when the individual is unable to make decisions for themselves. The Public Guardian is appointed as conservator only when no other qualified individual or entity is willing and able to act. Conservatorship is a legal process. Conservatorship is used as a last resort when other alternatives are unavailable.
Who this service is for
Not everyone qualifies for a conservatorship. This service is for adults who are substantially unable to manage their personal care, finances, or property because of incapacity, disability, or impairment. The court makes this decision and appoints the conservator. It is intended for situations where an adult may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or undue influence and less restrictive supports are insufficient or unavailable. The Public Guardian investigates referrals for probate conservatorship when received from Adult Protective Services or Health Care facilities.
Details
What the Public Guardian does
- Manages property, finances, and personal care needs for individuals who cannot manage their affairs due to incapacity, disability, or impairment.
- Is appointed by the court when no other qualified person or entity is willing and able to act.
- Acts as a last resort when less restrictive alternatives are unavailable.
When to consider conservatorship
When you are worried that an adult may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and seems unable to manage their own affairs, you can call one of the below agencies as a first step. Before calling, gather relevant information regarding the individual, including any medical, safety, and impairment issues to be discussed, as well as any possible abuse issues.
How to get help and who to contact
- For medical emergencies, call 911.
- For a dependent or older adult who lives in their home, apartment, or is unhoused, call Adult Protective Services at 415-473-2774. See: Adult Protective Services.
- For an adult who lives in a nursing home or residential care facility, call the Marin County Ombudsman at 415-473-7446. See: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
- If additional, non-urgent services and resources are needed, call the Marin County Information and Resources line at 415-473-4636. See: Community Resource Guide.
- . For conservatorship questions, contact the Public Guardian's office at 415-473-2870, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- For behavioral health crisis services, see: Marin Behavioral Health & Recovery Services — Crisis Services.
Referrals and sources of reports
- Referrals for conservatorship to the Public Guardian Office are accepted from Adult Protective Services and health institutions and facilities.
What happens next
- The agency you contact will take your report and discuss possible next steps with you.
- If you have contacted the Public Guardian's office, staff will respond to your phone call and advise you about available options, including whether conservatorship may be appropriate.