Dealing with a mentally ill loved one in California can be a tricky experience. This is all the more true if their condition is a result of a physical illness. If this is the case, you will want to do all that you can to help them. You may need to step in as a conservator to guide them back to a full recovery.
Essential conditions of an LPS conservatorship
There are many forms of conservatorship issues that you may be forced to deal with while caring for a loved one. Many of them may revolve around the level of care that a physically or mentally ill person may be receiving. Your role as a caretaker may come under intense scrutiny. It may also be you that files a suit in order to be named as conservator for that person.
It may be in the best interests of your loved one to file an application to become their Lanterman Petris Short (LPS) conservator. This will give you the responsibility to oversee the entire course of medical treatment that the patient receives. This type of conservatorship may also mandate medication.
The two types of LPS conservatorships
Being named as an LPS conservator will give you the option of choosing between two basic types.
The first is known as an LPS conservatorship of the person. A psychiatrist will file a petition to the public guardian’s office. The office will then petition the court for the conservatorship of the person you wish to be protected.
The second is known as an LPS conservatorship of the estate. An investigation will be launched by the public guardian to determine if there is cause for this type of arrangement. Family members can send a request to the public guardian to initiate this investigation.