Purpose
The Public Guardian Office serves as conservator for people with various types of impairments.
The office also acts as the representative payee for people deemed by the Social Security Administration to require having an agency act as the Payee to provide money management services.
Conservatorship
Conservatorship services require being appointed in Superior Court to act as the conservator of person and estate. There are two types of conservatorships: Probate and Mental Health Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS).
LPS
The LPS conservatorship allows this office to manage the psychiatric care and treatment of a person with substantial mental health needs.
Probate
The Probate conservatorship allows for medical-oriented care and treatment for persons unable to make informed medical decisions.