Resource Link

https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications/limited-conservatorships-alternatives

Resource Description

Introduction: This guide explains limited conservatorship in California. A limited conservatorship helps adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. It is different from other types of conservatorship. It lets people keep some of their rights to make choices. This guide shows how a limited conservatorship is set up and what other options exist to help people with disabilities.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: A limited conservatorship gives some control to a helper, but lets the person with a disability keep some freedom. The court decides which choices the person can still make on their own. This is different from other types of conservatorship that take away more rights. To start a limited conservatorship, someone must ask the court for permission. The court will look into what's best for the person with a disability. If the person agrees, their regional center can help by telling the court about their needs and abilities. Under a limited conservatorship, a person might lose some rights. These could include picking where to live or seeing private records. It could affect getting married, signing contracts, and making health choices. It could affect work and school decisions. But they might keep some of these rights if the court agrees. The helper, called a conservator, must make good choices for the person they help. They must also make sure the person has as much freedom as possible to make their own choices. There are other ways to help someone besides limited conservatorship. This could be having trusted people help with choices. It could be giving someone permission to make some choices through a legal arrangement. It could be learning to speak up for yourself. Finally, it could be using school or program plans that say what kind of help you need. These other options might work better for some people. They let people keep more control over their lives. Anyone who thinks they shouldn't be under a limited conservatorship can tell the court why they disagree. This guide uses simple words and short sentences to help more people understand limited conservatorships and choices. It shows that there are many ways to help people with disabilities make decisions in their lives.