Your Rights When Someone Asks the Court to Become Your Guardian, Explained

What this notice usually means

A guardianship or conservatorship notice means someone asked a court for legal authority over you. This can cover your decisions, your money, or both. You have real rights in this process. Nothing is decided right away. In California, the court must tell you about four rights. You can oppose the case. You can ask for a jury trial on whether a conservatorship should be created. You can choose your own lawyer. You get a free court appointed lawyer if you do not have one. The court must also explain what a conservatorship would mean for your rights. This has to happen before one can be created. You can only lose your right to vote if you cannot communicate a wish to vote, even with help. In Washington, the court must have you personally served. This includes the petition and a hearing notice. It must happen within 5 court days after the petition is filed. That notice must clearly list your rights. This includes your right to a lawyer of your choice and to a jury trial. Rights continue after a case starts, too. A California conservatee keeps the right to a lawyer. They can ask a judge to replace the conservator or end the case. Deadlines to file a written response differ by state and by court. This page does not yet cover states other than California and Washington.