How Long Does a Conservatorship Last in California?
When a loved one is unable to manage their personal or financial affairs, a conservatorship may be necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. But one of the most common questions people have is: How long does a conservatorship last in California?
At M.S. Domingo Law Group, P.C., we help families throughout Walnut Creek and the greater Bay Area understand the duration, responsibilities, and possible end points of a California conservatorship. Here’s what you should know.
Understanding the Basics of a Conservatorship
A conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints a responsible adult (the conservator) to care for another adult (the conservatee) who cannot manage their own affairs due to physical or mental limitations.
In California, there are two main types:
-
Probate conservatorships, which are typically established for adults with cognitive impairments or age-related conditions.
-
LPS conservatorships (Lanterman-Petris-Short), which are designed for adults with serious mental health conditions who need specialized care.
Each type has different timelines and renewal requirements.
Duration of a Probate Conservatorship
A probate conservatorship does not have a fixed expiration date. It generally continues until the conservatee passes away, regains capacity, or the court determines it is no longer necessary.
However, the court requires periodic reviews and reports. The conservator must file annual accountings and status updates with the probate court to demonstrate that they are managing the conservatee’s care and finances appropriately. If issues arise—or if the conservatee’s condition changes—the court may modify or terminate the conservatorship.
Duration of an LPS Conservatorship
By contrast, an LPS conservatorship (established under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act) automatically expires after one year unless it is renewed.
This type of conservatorship is typically used for individuals who need intensive mental health treatment or are unable to make informed medical decisions. Each year, the conservator must petition the court to renew the arrangement if continued care and supervision are necessary.
This annual renewal process ensures that the conservatorship remains appropriate, proportional, and protective—rather than permanent by default.
Can a Conservatorship End Early?
Yes. A conservatorship can end before its natural conclusion in several situations:
-
The conservatee regains capacity and can resume decision-making responsibilities.
-
The conservator resigns or becomes unable to serve, and a replacement is not appointed.
-
The court determines that the conservatorship is no longer needed.
-
In the case of a financial or estate conservatorship, all assets have been appropriately distributed and managed.
Anyone involved in the conservatorship—family members, medical professionals, or the conservatee themselves—can petition the court to end or modify the arrangement.
Reviewing a Conservatorship in California
Because conservatorships can last for many years, ongoing court oversight plays a crucial role. The conservator must regularly report on:
-
Financial management and accounting
-
Health and living conditions of the conservatee
-
Any significant life changes affecting the conservatorship
These reports help ensure the conservatorship remains necessary, ethical, and in the conservatee’s best interests.
Key Takeaways for California Families
-
Probate conservatorships may last indefinitely, depending on the conservatee’s condition.
-
LPS conservatorships last one year and must be renewed annually.
-
Courts conduct regular reviews to ensure continued necessity and compliance.
-
A conservatorship can end early if the conservatee regains capacity or the court finds it unnecessary.
Understanding how long a conservatorship lasts in California helps families make informed decisions about care, responsibility, and long-term planning.
About M.S. Domingo Law Group, P.C.
M.S. Domingo Law Group, P.C. is a Walnut Creek-based law firm serving clients throughout Contra Costa County, Alameda County, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm focuses on estate planning, probate, and conservatorship law, providing families with compassionate guidance and clear legal direction in complex personal matters.