Public Guardian

Welcome to the web page for the Fresno County Public Guardian. This web page will help answer your questions about the Public Guardian’s Office, probate conservatorship, and LPS conservatorship. The information here is provided to assist individuals within Fresno County as they make difficult decisions regarding family members or friends who are no longer able to provide for their own care.

The Public Guardian exists to protect and care for those in our community who are unable to properly care for themselves or who are unable to manage their finances and have no one else to assist them. The Public Guardian is able to provide these services through the legal process known as conservatorship. The Public Guardian’s Office receives referrals and conducts investigations into the need for conservatorship for residents of Fresno County and, when appropriate, files petitions with the court asking to be appointed as conservator. If the Superior Court determines a public conservatorship is necessary, the Public Guardian is appointed as conservator of either the person, estate, or both. If the Public Guardian is appointed as conservator, decisions regarding care will be made while attempting to preserve the autonomy, dignity, and independence of the individual placed on conservatorship.

Note: The Public Guardian is not an emergency response agency. For emergencies concerning adults contact Adult Protective Services (APS) 24 hours a day at (559) 600-3383 or 1 800 418-1426 For emergencies concerning children contact Child Protective Services (CPS) at (559) 600-8320