California Conservatorship Forms: Complete List of Required Court Documents

Filing a conservatorship petition in California means assembling a specific set of Judicial Council forms, filing them with the probate court, and serving them on the right people within strict deadlines. Miss a form or a service requirement and the court rejects your petition — adding weeks to a process that already takes 60–90 days minimum.

Here's every form you need, what it does, and the sequence for filing.

The Core Petition Package

These forms make up the initial filing that starts the conservatorship case:

GC-310 — Petition for Appointment of Probate Conservator. This is the main petition. It identifies the proposed conservatee (your parent), the proposed conservator (you), and specifies whether you're requesting conservatorship of the person, the estate, or both. You must state why a conservatorship is necessary and why less restrictive alternatives (power of attorney, supported decision-making) won't work.

GC-312 — Confidential Supplemental Information. This form collects sensitive information about the proposed conservatee — Social Security number, date of birth, physical description, medical conditions, and current living situation. It's filed under seal and not available in the public court file.

GC-313 — Order Appointing Conservator. You file this blank so the court has the order form ready if the petition is granted. The judge fills in the details and signs it at the hearing.

GC-020 — Notice of Hearing. Once the court sets a hearing date, this form must be mailed to all of the proposed conservatee's close relatives — spouse, children, parents, siblings — at least 15 days before the hearing. Each person who receives notice has the right to appear and object.

GC-320 — Citation to Proposed Conservatee. This document must be personally served on your parent by someone who is not a party to the case. It informs them that a conservatorship petition has been filed, tells them the hearing date, and explains their rights — including the right to hire their own attorney. Service must happen at least 15 days before the hearing.

Additional Required Forms

Depending on your specific situation, the court may also require:

GC-314 — Confidential Conservator Screening Form. Background screening of the proposed conservator. Includes questions about criminal history, bankruptcy, and prior removal as a fiduciary.

GC-335 — Capacity Declaration. Completed by a licensed physician or psychologist who has examined your parent within the last five months. This declaration supports the petition by documenting the specific cognitive or physical deficits that prevent your parent from managing their own affairs. The court investigator will review this closely.

DE-111 (or GC-150) — Duties of Conservator. Acknowledgment form confirming you understand the responsibilities and legal obligations of serving as conservator. You sign this before the court issues letters.

GC-350 — Letters of Conservatorship. Issued by the court after the petition is granted. These letters are your proof of authority — you'll present them to banks, healthcare providers, government agencies, and anyone else who needs to verify your conservator status.

If You're Requesting Conservatorship of the Estate

When you're seeking authority over your parent's finances (not just personal care), additional requirements apply:

Surety bond. The court will require you to post a bond equal to the value of the conservatee's personal property plus estimated annual income. Bond costs typically run 1–3% of the bond amount annually. For a parent with $200,000 in assets, expect to pay $2,000–$6,000 per year in bond premiums.

Inventory and appraisement. Within 90 days of appointment, you must file a complete inventory of the conservatee's assets with the court. Real property must be appraised by a court-appointed probate referee.

Annual accountings. Every year, you must file a detailed financial accounting showing all income received, expenses paid, and assets on hand. The court reviews these to ensure you're managing the estate properly.

Common Filing Mistakes

Incomplete service. The most common reason for hearing continuances is improper service. The citation (GC-320) must be personally served on the proposed conservatee — mailing it isn't enough. The notice of hearing (GC-020) must go to all close relatives. If you can't locate a relative, you must file a declaration of due diligence explaining your search efforts.

Stale medical declaration. The capacity declaration (GC-335) must reflect an examination within the last five months. If your petition gets delayed and the declaration expires, you'll need a new medical evaluation.

Not addressing least restrictive alternatives. Under Probate Code Section 1800.3, the court must find that a conservatorship is the least restrictive option available. Your petition needs to explain why a power of attorney, supported decision-making agreement, or community resources aren't sufficient. If you don't address this, the court investigator will flag it.

Before You File

Conservatorship is expensive (typically $3,000–$10,000+ in attorney fees and court costs) and permanent until terminated by the court. If your parent still has capacity — even limited capacity — a durable power of attorney and advance health care directive are faster, cheaper, and less restrictive. The California Power of Attorney & Guardianship Kit helps you evaluate which path fits your situation and walks you through both the POA process and the conservatorship pathway.

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