Trusts and Estates

Conservatorship of O.B.

Cite as B290805
Filed February 26, 2019, Second District

By Daniel C. Kim
Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin Law Corporation
www.weintraub.com

Headnote: Contested Conservatorships ā€“ Standard of Review – Substantial Evidence

Summary: Trial Court Ruling Imposing Limited Conservatorship Upheld On Appeal Where Finding Was Supported by Substantial Evidence

O.B. had autism spectrum disorder. Her mother T.B. petitioned for a limited conservatorship. Following a contested conservatorship hearing with conflicting evidence, the trial granted the petition. Among the evidence presented at trial, O.B. offered the expert testimony of Dr. Khoie who opined that O.B. was not a candidate for a conservatorship and had the potential to live independently with support. O.B. also relied on Mr. Donati, the probate investigator who opined that he did not think the conservatorship would benefit O.B. and was concerned about O.B.ā€™s removal from her great-grandmotherā€™s home, where she had resided from a young age. On the other hand, the appellantā€™s mother testified that O.B. needed significant assistance with daily tasks, could not care for herself, and was susceptible to undue influence by others. Dr. Jacobs, who prepared a report by the local Regional Center, also opined that a limited conservatorship was proper except for the power to decide residence, which he believed could be retained by O.B. Dr. Blifeld prepared a capacity declaration which concluded that O.B. lacked capacity. Ultimately, the Court granted the limited conservatorship.

The appellate court affirmed. The standard of review of the trial courtā€™s findings is the ā€œsubstantial evidenceā€ standard. While the ā€œclear and convincingā€ standard applies to the appointment of a limited conservator, that standard is for the edification and guidance of the trial court and is not a standard of appellate review.  The reviewing court is not required to apply the ā€œclear and convincingā€ standard to determine if ā€œsubstantial evidenceā€ supports the trial courtā€™s findings.  The testimony of one witness can constitute substantial evidence, and the motherā€™s testimony was substantial evidence confirming the appellantā€™s inability to perform critical tasks. The opinions of Drs. Jacobs and Blifeld also supported the trial courtā€™s findings. The appellate court will sustain the trial courtā€™s factual findings if there is substantial evidence to support those findings, even if there exists evidence to the contrary.

https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/B290805.PDF


Forgot Password

Enter the email associated with you account. You will then receive a link in your inbox to reset your password.

Personal Information

Select Section(s)

CLA Membership is $99 and includes one section. Additional sections are $99 each.

Payment