Conservatorship of the Person and Estate of S.M. CA5

BACKGROUND

On January 22, 2024, the Stanislaus County conservatorship investigator petitioned to have the Stanislaus County public guardian appointed as temporary conservator of S.M.’s person and estate under the LPS Act. On January 29, 2024, the trial court signed an ex-parte order appointing the public guardian as temporary conservator and issued letters of temporary conservatorship. The letters were to expire on February 23, 2024. On February 23, 2024, the court signed an order continuing the temporary conservatorship to May 17, 2024, and amended letters were issued that same day. A minute order from February 23, 2024, reflects the extension of the temporary conservatorship and also states that the matter is continued to May 17, 2024, for “LPS Conservatorship.” A court trial was held on May 17, 2024, at which S.M. was present and represented by her counsel. The court began the hearing by confirming S.M.’s identity and the appearances of counsel and the witnesses. The court asked if both sides were ready to proceed, and both counsel confirmed that they were. The parties stipulated to the foundation for medical records and the investigator’s report, and also stipulated that the…