The Superior Court appoints the Public Guardian as the conservator for individuals who are unable to care for themselves or manage their finances. The Department of Aging and Adult Services director is the appointed Public Guardian for San Bernardino County. The Office of the Public Guardian ensures the physical and financial safety of people unable to do so independently, and when there are no viable alternatives to a public conservatorship. Conservatorship is only established as a last resort through a formal hearing. The Superior Court may appoint the Public Guardian as a conservator of the person only, the estate only, both the person and the estate, or a successor trustee.
What is a Public Guardian?
A Public Guardian is a court-appointed sworn officer who serves as a conservator for individuals deemed to lack capacity and are unable to care for themselves. The Public Guardian is the last resort when no family members or friends are able or willing to assume responsibility.
Conservatorship provides oversight of the following:
- Personal affairs (Conservatorship of the Person): including medical care, housing and daily living needs
- Financial matters (Conservatorship of the Estate) include managing income and real property, paying bills and protecting assets.
Common Types of Conservatorships Managed by the Office of the Public Guardian
- Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS): Adults with a behavioral health disorder, impairment by chronic alcoholism, severe substance use disorder, or a co-occurring behavioral health disorder and severe substance use disorder
- Probate: Adults with neurocognitive Impairments such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, or other physical disabilities
The Office of the Public Guardian, under the authority of the Superior Court, upholds individuals’ dignity by advocating and navigating complex legal, medical, and financial matters and serving as a critical safety net.
For more information about conservatorship, please call 909-798-8500.
Additional County Update News – July , 2025
- Public Health takes the wheel with mobile care units
- Veterans Affairs partners with Probation and Superior Court to expand services to justice-involved residents
- WIC QR code makes it easier to shop at farmers’ markets
- Public Service Employees gain experience, support the San Bernardino County Public Defender
- San Bernardino County Regional Parks receives a 2025 NACo Award for their 60th anniversary campaign
- Foster youth find community and hope at 16th Annual Sports Faire
- Checkups, immunizations available for High Desert children at convenient mobile clinic
- Victor Valley Museum announces a new exhibition; Here Comes the Sun: Solar Science and Spirituality
- The Office of the Public Guardian: Safeguarding vulnerable residents
- San Bernardino County destinations: San Gorgonio Mountain
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Fort Irwin
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Hero