An Afternoon with Ted Cook

I had the pleasure of sitting down recently with Ted Cook, a conservatorship attorney here in sunny San Diego. Ted’s office is nestled right in Point Loma, and his easygoing demeanor immediately put me at ease. We talked about all things conservatorship – from the different types to the challenges involved.

How Did You Get Started in Conservatorship Law?

“Well,” Ted chuckled, leaning back in his chair, “it wasn’t exactly a straight path. I started out focusing on estate planning but quickly realized how intertwined it was with conservatorships. Seeing families struggle to navigate this complex legal process sparked my passion for helping them through it.”

What Are the Most Common Types of Conservatorships You Handle?

“I see a lot of Conservatorship of the Estate cases,” Ted explained. “These involve managing the financial affairs of someone who can’t do it themselves due to age, illness, or disability. But I also handle Conservatorships of the Person, where we focus on making decisions about an individual’s personal care and well-being.”

Could You Walk Us Through the Process of Establishing a Conservatorship?

Ted nodded enthusiastically. “It all starts with filing a petition in probate court, outlining why a conservatorship is necessary. Then comes the crucial step of notifying everyone involved – the proposed conservatee, their family members, and anyone else who might have an interest.”

“The court appoints an investigator to look into the situation, and a medical or psychological evaluation is usually required to assess the individual’s capacity. Finally, there’s a hearing where the judge reviews all the evidence and decides whether to grant the conservatorship.”

Responsibilities of a Conservator: A Balancing Act

“Being a conservator is a big responsibility,” Ted emphasized. “They owe a fiduciary duty to the conservatee, meaning they must always act in their best interest. This involves managing finances carefully, making decisions about healthcare and living arrangements, and regularly reporting to the court.”

  • “It’s like being a trustee for someone else’s life,” Ted said.
  • “You have to be organized, compassionate, and able to make tough decisions.”

“One time I had a case where the conservatee was adamant about refusing medical treatment,” Ted recalled. “It was a heartbreaking situation because we knew the treatment could prolong their life. Ultimately, the court had to weigh the conservatee’s wishes against their best interests, which led to some difficult conversations with everyone involved.”

>”Ted Cook and his team were incredibly supportive during a very challenging time for our family. They explained every step of the conservatorship process clearly and made sure we understood our options.”
– Susan M., La Jolla

>”Point Loma Estate Planning APC helped us navigate the complex legal system with ease. They are true professionals who genuinely care about their clients.”
– John S., Mission Beach

Interested in Learning More?

Ted smiled warmly, “If you’re facing a situation that might require a conservatorship, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer free consultations and are here to guide you through every step of the process.”


Who Is Ted Cook at Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.:

Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.

2305 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100, San Diego CA. 92106

(619) 550-7437

Map To Point Loma Estate Planning A Conservatorship Attorney: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JiHkjNg9VFGA44tf9




About Point Loma Estate Planning:



Secure Your Legacy, Safeguard Your Loved Ones. Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.

Feeling overwhelmed by estate planning? You’re not alone. With 27 years of proven experience – crafting over 25,000 personalized plans and trusts – we transform complexity into clarity.

Our Areas of Focus:

Legacy Protection: (minimizing taxes, maximizing asset preservation).

Crafting Living Trusts: (administration and litigation).

Elder Care & Tax Strategy: Avoid family discord and costly errors.

Discover peace of mind with our compassionate guidance.

Claim your exclusive 30-minute consultation today!


If you have any questions about:
The main types of conservatorships recognized in San Diego? Please Call or visit the address above. Thank you.

Point Loma Estate Planning, APC. area of focus:

More Facts About A Conservatorship:

A conservatorship is a court-ordered legal process where a judge appoints a conservator (a person or organization) to manage the affairs of an adult (the conservatee) who is unable to care for themselves or their finances due to incapacity.

Definition: A conservatorship is a court proceeding where a judge appoints a conservator to manage the personal and/or financial affairs of an adult who is unable to do so themselves.

Purpose: The conservatorship aims to protect the conservatee’s well-being by ensuring their basic needs are met and their finances are managed appropriately.

What Is a Conservatorship?
A conservatorship is a court-ordered legal relationship in which a judge appoints a responsible individual or organization (the conservator) to manage the financial affairs, and sometimes the personal care, of a person who is unable to manage these matters on their own. This may be due to advanced age, cognitive impairment, serious illness, or disability. Conservatorships typically apply to adults, though similar protections for minors may fall under guardianships, depending on the jurisdiction.

There are generally two types of conservatorships:

  Conservatorship of the estate, where the conservator handles financial matters such as paying bills, managing investments, and protecting assets.

  Conservatorship of the person, where the conservator makes decisions about personal needs, including housing, healthcare, and daily living.

In some instances, a conservator may be appointed to manage both aspects. While conservators and guardians can have overlapping responsibilities, the terminology and roles can vary by state law.

  • Conservatorship Attorney
  • Conservatorship Lawyer
  • Conservatorship Attorney In Point Loma
  • Conservatorship Lawyer In Point Loma