Taylor

In these four cases which have been consolidated on appeal for the purposes of briefing, oral argument, and opinion, the Public Guardian of the County of Riverside (Public Guardian) has appealed from various orders of the Riverside County Superior Court allowing and directing payment of attorneys’ fees to the Public Defender of the County of Riverside (Public Defender) for services rendered to conservatees for whom the Public Guardian had been appointed conservator.

Facts

In the Ruby Berry case, the Public Guardian was appointed temporary probate conservator of the person of Ruby Berry. Ms. Berry objected to the appointment of the Public Guardian as her conservator, and so the Public Defender was appointed to represent her. Thereafter, the Public Guardian was appointed permanent conservator of both Berry’s estate and person. The Public Defender was never relieved as Berry’s attorney of record, nor did it seek leave to substitute out as attorney of record. In point of fact, the Public Defender continued to represent Berry in proceedings involving the review of, and objection to, the Public Guardian’s accountings, and a petition by the conservator for independent powers…