Conservatorship of S.C. CA2/6

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Appellant is a 57-year-old woman with a longstanding diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder bipolar type. In June 2004, the San Luis Obispo County Public Guardian was appointed as the conservator of appellant’s person. In January 2021, the San Luis Obispo County Public Guardian filed a petition for reappointment of the conservator under section 5361. The declaration submitted in support of the petition, signed by Drs. Matthew Lilly and Ricki-Leigh Brampton, stated among other things that appellant’s mental disorder rendered her unable to meet her basic needs for food, clothing and shelter because “she lacks the organization of thought [and] the appropriate insight [and] sound judgment needed to develop and execute a viable self-care plan. [She also has u]nrealistic expectations of 3rd party support [and] poor understanding of subsidized housing options.” Appellant waived her right to a jury trial. Dr. Rose Drago, a psychiatrist, offered her expert opinion that appellant was gravely disabled as a result of a mental disorder. In forming her opinion Dr. Drago reviewed and relied on the declaration of Drs. Lilly and Brampton, appellant’s records from Nueva…