Conservatorship of Sanderson

Appellant Mary Edith Sanderson is a 76-year-old woman. Appellant’s daughter, respondent Mary Carter Meyer, filed a petition for appointment of a conservator of the person and estate of appellant. It is alleged in the petition that appellant is suffering from an organic brain disease which renders her incoherent and disoriented at certain times. It is further alleged in the petition that appellant “has broken her hip and is unable to care for herself.” Because of appellant’s mental and physical conditions, it is alleged in the petition that she is unable to care for herself or to manage her financial resources. The trial court found the petition was “supported by substantial evidence” and appointed respondent the conservator of the person and estate of appellant. Appellant appeals and contends that the trial court should have required proof beyond a reasonable doubt before appointing a conservator.

Dr. J. Sewall Brown, appellant’s personal physician for 20 years, testified concerning her medical history and condition. On July 20 or 24, 1978, a social worker called Dr. Brown and told him that appellant was not eating and she was weak and nauseated, but appellant did not…