Major 2025 Changes to California Conservatorship Law: What You Need to Know

Author: Duisters Law, APC | San Diego Conservatorship Attorneys

California's conservatorship laws have undergone significant reforms in 2025, aimed at enhancing protections for individuals under conservatorship and increasing accountability for conservators. These changes stem from growing public concern over abuses in high-profile cases and a broader push for civil rights protections. Here's a breakdown of what’s new and what it means for conservatees, families, and legal professionals.

1. Stronger Oversight and Reporting Requirements

Starting January 1, 2025, all court-appointed conservators are subject to more rigorous reporting obligations. Courts will now require:

• Annual in-person wellness checks by court investigators (not in all cases).

• More detailed financial accounting reports, including receipts and bank statements.

• Regular updates on the conservatee's mental and physical condition.

These new standards are designed to detect abuse or neglect early and provide courts with better tools for ongoing oversight.

2. Enhanced Conservatee Rights

The reforms significantly expand the rights of conservatees. Key changes include:

• A guaranteed right to legal counsel at all stages of the conservatorship process.

• A clear process for requesting changes or termination of conservatorship.

• Easier access to communicate with friends, family, and legal advocates.

• Courts are now also instructed to consider less restrictive alternatives before approving a full conservatorship.

3. Tighter Criteria for Establishing Conservatorships

Petitioners now face stricter requirements to demonstrate the necessity of a conservatorship:

• Required documentation showing attempts at less restrictive interventions.

4. Increased Penalties for Abuse or Mismanagement

To deter misconduct, California has increased civil and criminal penalties for conservators who:

• Exploit or neglect conservatees.

• Mismanage finances or misrepresent reports to the court.

• Block conservatees from lawful communication or visitation.

What This Means for You

If you are involved in a conservatorship as a conservator, conservatee, or concerned family member, it is essential to understand these new requirements.