How to file conservatorship in San Bernardino County at the San Bernardino County Superior Court, showing the San Bernardino County conservatorship process, required conservatorship forms, and filing a conservatorship petition in San Bernardino County

How to File Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

⚖ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This article provides general information only. Probate & More is a California Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA). We prepare legal documents but cannot provide legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please consult a licensed California probate attorney.

Last Updated: September 8, 2026

IN THIS GUIDE:

A complete guide to the San Bernardino County conservatorship process — filing locations, the Fontana and Victorville Districts, required forms, the extra petition copy rule, Probate Notes, costs, and how Probate & More can help.

Introduction to Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

Filing conservatorship in San Bernardino County comes with a geographic challenge that few families expect. At more than 20,000 square miles, San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in the contiguous United States.

The county stretches from Ontario and Fontana through Victorville, Barstow, and the remote Mojave. When a loved one can no longer manage personal care or finances, the San Bernardino County conservatorship process begins at one of two courthouses. Therefore, choosing the correct courthouse matters from the first step.

The San Bernardino County Superior Court conservatorship division handles general conservatorship matters through the Fontana and Victorville Districts. In addition, local rules affect how you prepare and file the petition.

One requirement stands apart: Local Rule 20-603 requires a complete extra copy of the petition packet for the Court Investigator. The clerk will not accept the filing without that copy.

This guide covers the process from start to finish. It explains courthouse selection, Local Rule 20-603, filing steps, required forms, Probate Notes, eFiling, the court investigation, timelines, costs, and how Probate & More can help.

Probate & More is a California Registered Legal Document Assistant — we prepare conservatorship petition documents for families throughout San Bernardino County and across all 58 California counties. For a complete list of counties we serve, visit our Conservatorship by County in California guide. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice.

Types of Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

CONSERVATORSHIP OF THE PERSON

A conservator of the person takes charge of the conservatee’s living situation, healthcare decisions, and daily personal care. Financial management stays outside this appointment unless the court also grants estate powers.

CONSERVATORSHIP OF THE ESTATE

A conservator of the estate handles the conservatee’s financial affairs — managing income, paying expenses, protecting assets, filing taxes, and maintaining bank accounts. Personal decisions remain separate.

PERSON & ESTATE COMBINED

When a conservatee needs help in both areas, the court can appoint one conservator with authority over both personal care and financial management — the most comprehensive form of court-granted protection.

Limited and LPS Conservatorships

A Limited Conservatorship is available only for adults with developmental disabilities. The court specifies exactly which powers are granted — keeping the conservatee’s remaining legal rights fully in place. When the proposed conservatee receives Regional Center services, the Regional Center becomes part of the process.

An LPS Conservatorship is a specialized proceeding for individuals gravely disabled due to a mental disorder. LPS conservatorships require annual reappointment, are confidential, and follow a completely separate track. Only designated agencies can initiate an LPS referral — families cannot petition directly. This guide covers general probate conservatorships only.

Wondering whether conservatorship or guardianship better fits your situation? Our Conservatorship and Guardianship Options in California page explains the key distinctions between the two.

Is the San Bernardino County Conservatorship Process the Right Option?

San Bernardino County judges look carefully at whether conservatorship is truly necessary before granting any petition. California law treats conservatorship as a last resort — a proceeding that removes significant legal rights from an adult. Before you file, gather evidence that you considered and ruled out every less restrictive option available.

Alternatives to explore before filing Conservatorship:

  • Durable Power of Attorney — A voluntary document in which a capable adult names someone to manage their financial affairs. This tool only works if the person still had legal capacity when they signed it — it cannot be created after capacity is lost.
  • Advance Health Care Directive — Appoints a trusted agent to handle medical decisions when the person becomes incapacitated. Useful for healthcare, but it does not reach finances, housing choices, or daily living supervision.
  • Revocable Living Trust — Allows a successor trustee to take over asset management without court involvement. The trust must already exist and be fully funded before the loss of capacity to be of use here.
  • Representative Payee — Authorizes a designated person to manage Social Security or other government benefit payments. This covers benefit income only — it does not address broader financial or personal care needs.

However, when these tools are unavailable, have broken down, or when the situation involves financial exploitation, a sudden medical crisis, or a person who can no longer be kept safe without court authority — the San Bernardino County conservatorship process becomes the appropriate next step.

San Bernardino County Superior Court Probate Division Overview

All San Bernardino County Superior Court conservatorship matters run through the Probate Division of the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino. Beyond conservatorships, the Probate Division handles decedent estates, trusts, guardianships, elder abuse petitions, and CARE Act proceedings.

★ San Bernardino County Unique: Two-Courthouse System

Because San Bernardino County Superior Court conservatorship cases span such a vast geographic area, the court distributes filings between two district locations: the Fontana District serving the Inland Empire and the Victorville District serving the High Desert. Therefore, knowing which courthouse handles your case is essential before you prepare a single form.

★ San Bernardino County Unique: Local Rule 20-603 — Extra Petition Copy

Per Local Rule 20-603, every conservatorship filing must include a complete extra copy of the entire petition packet for the Court Investigator. Importantly, this is separate from the copies you keep for yourself. As a result, the clerk will not process your petition without it — and the requirement applies to all supporting papers filed after the initial petition as well.

★ San Bernardino County Unique: Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope Required

To ensure approved orders are returned promptly, include a self-addressed stamped return envelope with every filing. Without it, therefore, you may experience delays in receiving your signed Order and Letters of Conservatorship.

★ San Bernardino County Unique: Hearing Dates Set at Time of Filing

In addition, the court sets hearing dates at the time of filing — not in advance. Come ready to receive your hearing date when you appear at the clerk’s window.

PROBATE DIVISION FACTS

Court: Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino
Division: Probate
Courthouses: Fontana District & Victorville District
eFiling: Mandatory for attorneys; voluntary for self-represented
Probate Notes: Court Access Portal (CAP) — 2 weeks before hearing
Notes Expire: 7 days after hearing — save immediately
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Phone: (909) 521-3388
Fax: (909) 521-3387
Court URL: sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov
Local Rule 20-603: Extra full petition copy for Court Investigator
Return Envelope: Self-addressed stamped envelope required
Hearing Dates: Set at time of filing — not in advance
Investigator: Assigned in all general conservatorships

Where to File a Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County conservatorship petitions go to one of two courthouse districts. The Fontana District serves the Inland Empire and western portions of the county. The Victorville District serves the High Desert and eastern regions. Confirm your assigned courthouse before preparing any documents — filing at the wrong location means your petition will not be processed.

Courthouse Address Phone Hours
Fontana District 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335 (909) 521-3388 Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Victorville District 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392 (909) 521-3388 Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

The Needles District handles limited probate matters only — small estate affidavits, guardianships, and succession petitions. Conservatorship filings do not go to Needles. After filing, the court may re-assign hearings to different departments — always verify the department listed on your case notice.

Petitions may be filed in person at the clerk’s window, by mail, or electronically through the court’s eFiling system. Include a self-addressed stamped return envelope with every filing. Fee information is available on the court’s website at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov. Petitioners who qualify financially may download fee waiver forms from courts.ca.gov and submit them with the petition packet.

QUICK FILING FACTS

Division: Probate
Fontana District: Inland Empire
Victorville District: High Desert
Phone (both): (909) 521-3388
eFiling: Mandatory attorneys; voluntary self-rep
Extra Copy: Full petition copy for Court Investigator required
Return Envelope: Self-addressed stamped required
Hearing Dates: Set at time of filing
Examiner Review: Required before every hearing
Investigator: Assigned in all general conservatorships
Probate Notes: CAP — 2 weeks before, 7 days after

How to File Conservatorship in San Bernardino County — Step by Step

Each step below builds on the one before it. Work through them in order — a missed deadline or incomplete document at any stage gives the probate examiner grounds to issue a deficiency note and push your hearing back.

Before you file conservatorship in San Bernardino County, our California Conservatorship Guide provides a helpful statewide overview of the process, court requirements, and what a well-prepared petition looks like.

STEP 1
Identify Your Filing Courthouse
First, determine whether your case belongs at the Fontana District or Victorville District. Generally, Fontana serves Inland Empire cities — Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Redlands, and surrounding areas. Victorville serves High Desert communities — Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and Barstow. When uncertain, call the Probate Clerk at (909) 521-3388 before you prepare any forms.
STEP 2
Prepare Your Complete Petition Packet
Gather and complete all required Judicial Council GC-series forms plus any applicable San Bernardino County local forms. Every field must be accurate — the probate examiner reads your entire packet before your hearing and flags errors in writing.
STEP 3 — SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY REQUIRED
Make an Extra Copy of the Entire Petition — Local Rule 20-603
Before heading to the courthouse, make a complete second copy of your entire petition packet. Per Local Rule 20-603, this extra copy goes to the Court Investigator and must accompany your original filing. The clerk will not process your petition without it.
STEP 4 — SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY REQUIRED
Include a Self-Addressed Stamped Return Envelope
Prepare a self-addressed stamped envelope to include with your filing. The court uses this to return your approved orders after the hearing. Without it, you may experience delays receiving your signed Order Appointing Conservator and Letters of Conservatorship.
STEP 5
File at Your Assigned Courthouse or via eFiling
Submit your complete petition packet — extra investigator copy and return envelope included — at the clerk’s window of your assigned courthouse or through the eFiling system. Pay the filing fee at submission. The clerk sets your hearing date at that time.
STEP 6
Record Your Hearing Date and All Service Deadlines
After the clerk processes your filing, record your hearing date and write down every service deadline immediately — they all run backward from that date. Missing even one deadline gives opposing parties grounds to object and the examiner reason to continue your hearing.
STEP 7
Serve the Citation on the Proposed Conservatee
California law requires personal service of Citation GC-320 on the proposed conservatee. The person serving cannot be a party to the case. Complete service well before the deadline and file your proof of service with the court as soon as it is done.
STEP 8
Send Notice to Required Relatives
Mail written notice of the conservatorship hearing to the proposed conservatee’s spouse or domestic partner, parents, siblings, and adult children within the court-required timeframe. File completed proofs of service before your hearing date — the examiner checks these.
STEP 9
Cooperate with the Court Investigator
After your petition is filed, the Court Investigator’s office will contact you to schedule interviews. Be available, organized, and ready to explain in specific terms why less restrictive alternatives cannot adequately protect this person. The investigator’s report reaches the judge before your hearing.
STEP 10 — SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY UNIQUE
Check Probate Notes — Save Before They Expire
Monitor your Probate Notes through the Court Access Portal (CAP) at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov starting approximately two weeks before your hearing. Notes are only available for seven days after the hearing — save or print them immediately. Resolve every issue before your hearing date.
STEP 11
Appear at Your Hearing
Show up at your assigned courthouse department with copies of everything filed. When the petition is uncontested and all Probate Notes are cleared, the judge typically signs the Order Appointing Conservator at the hearing. Your self-addressed stamped envelope brings the signed order back to you promptly.
STEP 12
Receive Letters of Conservatorship (GC-350)
Once the Order is signed, the court issues Letters of Conservatorship — your official legal authority to act on the conservatee’s behalf. Obtain certified copies. Banks, medical providers, government agencies, and financial institutions all require certified Letters before recognizing your authority.

Temporary and Ex Parte Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

Genuine emergencies — imminent physical danger, active financial exploitation, or a medical situation that cannot wait for the regular hearing date — may qualify for a temporary conservatorship through an ex parte application in San Bernardino County.

★ San Bernardino County Unique: 24-Hour Telephonic Notice Required
Per the court’s local rules, 24-hour telephonic notice must go to all parties entitled to notice before any ex parte hearing, unless the court expressly dispenses with notice for good cause. Contact the Probate Clerk at your assigned courthouse district for current ex parte procedures — the Fontana and Victorville Districts handle these applications separately.

Key San Bernardino County temporary conservatorship rules:

• The general conservatorship petition must be filed at the same time as or before the temporary application.
• The temporary application must clearly document the specific emergency and explain why it cannot wait for the regular hearing.
• 24-hour telephonic notice to entitled parties is required unless the court waives it for good cause shown.
• A temporary conservatorship lasts only until the first hearing on the full petition — it does not replace or shorten the complete process.
• Include the extra Court Investigator copy and self-addressed stamped envelope with any temporary conservatorship filing, just as you would with a regular petition.

San Bernardino County Conservatorship Forms — Required Checklist

Every conservatorship petition in San Bernardino County draws on two categories of forms: statewide Judicial Council GC-series forms used across California, and applicable San Bernardino County local forms. One missing form triggers a Probate Notes deficiency — and that pushes your hearing. Review your complete San Bernardino County conservatorship forms checklist before heading to the clerk’s window.

JUDICIAL COUNCIL FORMS (GC SERIES)

✓ GC-310 — Petition for Appointment of Probate Conservator
✓ GC-312 — Confidential Supplemental Information
✓ GC-313 — Physician’s Statement of Capacity
✓ GC-314 — Confidential Conservator Screening Form
✓ GC-020 — Notice of Hearing (ex parte / temporary)
✓ GC-320 — Citation for Conservatorship
✓ GC-335 — Confidential Capacity Assessment
✓ GC-340 — Order Appointing Conservator (proposed)
✓ GC-348 — Duties of Conservator & Acknowledgment of Receipt of Handbook for Conservators
✓ GC-350 — Letters of Conservatorship
✓ DE-160/GC-040 — Inventory and Appraisal (if estate powers)
✓ FW-001 — Request to Waive Court Fees (if applicable)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FILING REQUIREMENTS

✓ Extra complete copy of entire petition packet — for the Court Investigator (Local Rule 20-603)
✓ Self-addressed stamped return envelope — for return of approved orders
✓ San Bernardino County local forms as applicable — sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/local-forms
✓ Care Plan — required for conservatorship of the person
✓ Bond — required when estate powers are requested

Before we begin preparing your San Bernardino County conservatorship documents, Probate & More reviews your submitted information to confirm your petition type and verify completeness.

What Happens After You File a San Bernardino Conservatorship?

Once the Fontana or Victorville probate clerk accepts your conservatorship petition in San Bernardino County, four tracks begin running simultaneously — service, investigation, examiner review, and hearing preparation. Staying on top of all four is what moves your case toward a successful outcome.

Filing Confirmation — Once the clerk accepts your petition, you receive a stamped copy, a case number, and your hearing date — all set at the counter on the day you file. Write down every notice and service deadline immediately, because every one of them counts back from that hearing date.

Service and Notification — Arrange personal service of Citation GC-320 on the proposed conservatee promptly — deadlines run from your hearing date and time moves quickly. Mail notice to all required relatives at the same time. File completed proofs of service as each one is done.

Court Investigation

— The Court Investigator’s office will reach out after your petition is filed. Respond promptly to all scheduling requests. Have your documentation organized — contact lists, medical records, care plan details, and a clear explanation of why less restrictive alternatives are no longer sufficient.

Probate Notes Monitoring — Beginning approximately two weeks before your hearing, check the Court Access Portal at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov for your Probate Notes. Because notes disappear seven days after your hearing, save or print them the moment they appear. Clear every deficiency before your hearing date.

Hearing Day — Arrive at your assigned courthouse department with organized copies of all filed documents. When the petition is uncontested and all notes have been cleared, the judge signs the Order Appointing Conservator at the hearing. Your self-addressed stamped envelope brings the signed order back to you quickly.

Letters of Conservatorship — After the Order is signed, the court issues Letters of Conservatorship (GC-350). Obtain certified copies for every institution you need to work with — banks, medical providers, and government agencies all require them.

Track your case through the Court Access Portal at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/online-services/case-information-documents.

Electronic Filing in San Bernardino County

★ San Bernardino County Unique: eFiling Mandatory for Attorneys — Voluntary for Self-Represented Petitioners
Effective June 16, 2025, the San Bernardino County Superior Court Probate Division implemented mandatory eFiling for all represented parties. Self-represented petitioners may continue to file in person at the courthouse clerk’s window or by mail — eFiling is available as an option, not a requirement.

HOW TO ACCESS eFILING
Access the probate eFiling portal at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/online-services/efiling/probate-efiling. The court also maintains a FileSubmit system for certain document types — check the court’s online services page for current options.

LOCAL RULES STILL APPLY
Whether you file in person or electronically, Local Rule 20-603 applies — your filing must include the extra complete petition copy for the Court Investigator. The self-addressed stamped return envelope requirement applies regardless of submission method.

WHAT CANNOT BE eFILED
Appeal documents are not eligible for eFiling in San Bernardino County regardless of who is filing. For all other probate documents, eFiling is available for attorneys (mandatory) and self-represented petitioners (voluntary).

Court Investigator Expectations in San Bernardino County

Every general conservatorship petition filed in San Bernardino County triggers a mandatory investigation before the first hearing. The Court Investigator interviews the proposed conservatee independently, assesses the situation, and submits a written report directly to the judge. That report is one of the most influential documents in your case — it reaches the courtroom before your hearing and carries real weight in the outcome.

What the Investigator Examines
Beyond confirming the basic facts in your petition, the investigator evaluates whether the proposed conservatee understands the proceeding, whether they support or object to it, and whether you are a suitable conservator — watching for conflicts of interest, reliability concerns, or capacity questions. After appointment, periodic investigations continue throughout the conservatorship to verify that the conservatee’s needs are met and, where estate powers are involved, that finances are properly administered.

Periodic Review Schedule
Following appointment, Court Investigators conduct reviews on a schedule set by the court under California Probate Code Section 1850 — typically at six months, one year, and annually thereafter for general conservatorships. Each review generates a separate assessment fee. If you cannot pay that fee, file a Request for Waiver of Probate Court Investigator Fee within the required timeframe before the review takes place.

INTERVIEW PREP CHECKLIST

CONTACT LIST
Names and numbers for the proposed conservatee’s family members, physicians, caregivers, and facility staff who interact with them regularly.

MEDICAL SUMMARY
Current diagnoses, active medications, recent hospitalizations, and the daily functional limitations that make independent living or financial management unsafe.

CARE PLAN DETAILS
How you plan to provide for the conservatee’s supervision, medical management, and day-to-day needs going forward.

FACILITY ACCESS
If the proposed conservatee is in a care facility, alert staff in advance so the investigator can conduct a private interview without obstacles.

San Bernardino County Tip: Be specific and factual. Give clear examples of why voluntary alternatives are no longer workable — this helps the investigator write an accurate, supportive report for the judge.

Probate Notes and Common Delays in San Bernardino County

After you file, a San Bernardino County probate examiner goes through your entire petition before the scheduled hearing. The examiner checks every form, every declaration, and every proof of service against the court’s requirements. Any problem found lands in a Probate Notes memo. Resolve every item in that memo before your hearing, or the court will continue your matter to a future date.

How to Access Your San Bernardino Probate Notes

• Access Probate Notes through the Court Access Portal (CAP) at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov
• Notes become available approximately two weeks before your scheduled hearing
• Notes are only accessible for seven days after your hearing — print or save them immediately, as they are not stored permanently
• For questions, contact the Probate Clerk at (909) 521-3388

Common Issues That Trigger Notes in San Bernardino County

• Missing extra Court Investigator copy of entire petition (Local Rule 20-603)
• No self-addressed stamped return envelope included with filing
• GC-313 Physician’s Statement missing, expired, or lacking required detail
• GC-314 Confidential Conservator Screening Form absent or incomplete
• Citation not personally served within the required timeframe
• Proofs of service missing, unsigned, or filed with incorrect information
• Required relatives not notified or notification incomplete
• Proposed order (GC-340) does not match the petition or omits required findings
• Bond not posted or bond amount falls short of the estate value
• Care Plan absent or insufficiently detailed for person conservatorships

RFA — Recommended for Approval

If a petition has no unresolved issues, the probate examiner may mark it RFA — Recommended for Approval. However, even with an RFA notation, parties are generally expected to appear at the hearing unless the notes specifically state otherwise. Therefore, always read your notes in full and follow any appearance instructions they contain.

Timeline for Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

For reference, the table below outlines the key stages of the San Bernardino County conservatorship process in the order they typically occur. Meanwhile, service, investigation, and examiner review all run simultaneously after filing.

STAGE WHAT HAPPENS
Identify courthouse Confirm Fontana District or Victorville District before preparing any documents. Call (909) 521-3388 if uncertain.
Prepare petition packet Complete all required GC-series Judicial Council forms plus applicable San Bernardino County local forms. Accuracy throughout is critical.
Extra copy + envelope ★ Make a complete extra copy of the entire petition for the Court Investigator (Local Rule 20-603). Prepare your self-addressed stamped return envelope.
File & receive hearing date Submit petition at assigned courthouse or via eFiling. The clerk sets your hearing date at the time of filing. Record all service deadlines immediately.
Service & notification Personally serve GC-320 Citation on proposed conservatee. Mail notice to required relatives. File all proofs of service promptly.
Court investigation Court Investigator contacts you to schedule interviews. Respond promptly. Have documentation, care plan details, and contact lists organized.
Probate Notes — save! ★ Check Court Access Portal approximately 2 weeks before hearing. Notes expire 7 days after hearing — save immediately. Resolve every issue before hearing.
Hearing day Appear at assigned courthouse department. When petition is uncontested and all notes are cleared, judge signs the Order Appointing Conservator.
Letters issued Court issues Letters of Conservatorship (GC-350) — your official legal authority. Obtain certified copies for all institutions.
Ongoing duties Submit Care Plan for person conservatorships. File accountings if estate powers granted. Cooperate with periodic court reviews under Probate Code Section 1850.

Generally, from filing to first hearing, the San Bernardino County conservatorship process generally takes several months. A thorough, accurate petition filed at the correct courthouse — with all required copies and documents — is your strongest tool for keeping the timeline on track.

Cost of Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

Overall, what you spend to file conservatorship in San Bernardino County depends on the complexity of the case, whether estate powers are requested, and whether you retain an attorney, work with a California Registered LDA, or handle the paperwork entirely on your own.

Court Filing Fees

First, the California court system establishes the initial filing fee for a conservatorship petition, and fees adjust periodically. Verify the current amount at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov before appearing at the clerk’s window. In addition, each subsequent filing — supplemental petitions, inventories, accountings — carries its own separate fee. Qualifying petitioners may download fee waiver forms from courts.ca.gov and submit them with the petition packet.

Court Investigator Fees

In addition, the court charges a separate fee for the initial investigation and for each periodic review conducted after appointment. When the conservatee holds sufficient assets, investigation fees come from the estate. When no liquid assets exist, the conservator covers the cost personally. A Request for Waiver of Probate Court Investigator Fee is available for qualifying petitioners and must go to the court within the required timeframe before the investigation.

Bond Premiums

When estate powers are granted, the court typically orders a surety bond to protect the conservatee’s financial assets. Annual bond premiums are calculated based on the value of the estate under management and remain an ongoing cost for the life of the conservatorship.

LDA Document Preparation vs. Attorney Fees

Attorney fees for a San Bernardino County conservatorship vary widely depending on case complexity and whether any party contests the petition. By comparison, working with a California Registered LDA costs significantly less than full attorney representation. The key distinction: an LDA prepares your documents and helps you understand the process — but does not offer legal advice, represent you in court, or develop legal strategy. However, for contested matters or legally complex situations, consulting a licensed California probate attorney is strongly advisable.

How Probate & More Helps With Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

Probate & More is a California Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA). We prepare conservatorship documents for families throughout San Bernardino County — at both the Fontana District and the Victorville District — and across all 58 California counties.

For a full overview of our conservatorship services and how we work with self-represented petitioners statewide, see our California Conservatorship Services page.

DOCUMENT PREPARATION

✓ All required Judicial Council GC-series conservatorship forms
✓ Local San Bernardino County forms as applicable to your petition type
✓ Extra Court Investigator copy preparation guidance (Local Rule 20-603)
✓ Care Plan preparation for conservatorship of the person
✓ Proposed Order and Letters of Conservatorship
✓ Confidential Supplemental Information (GC-312)
✓ Confidential Conservator Screening Form (GC-314)
✓ Physician’s Capacity Statement guidance (GC-313)
FILING & PROCESS GUIDANCE

✓ Courthouse identification — Fontana District or Victorville District for your case
✓ eFiling coordination or in-person filing support
✓ Service and notification requirement guidance — who, how, and by when
✓ Probate Notes monitoring and examiner response guidance
✓ Court Investigator preparation — what to have ready and what to expect
✓ Bond referrals for self-represented conservators
✓ Service throughout all 58 California counties

Frequently Asked Questions About Conservatorship in San Bernardino County

No. California law allows self-represented petitioners to file conservatorship in San Bernardino County without retaining an attorney. However, the court has specific local requirements — a two-courthouse system, the Local Rule 20-603 extra petition copy, and the self-addressed stamped envelope — that require careful preparation. Probate & More helps self-represented petitioners prepare complete, court-ready document packets for both the Fontana and Victorville Districts.

Your filing courthouse depends on the geographic location of the proposed conservatee. The Fontana District generally serves Inland Empire communities including Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and Redlands. The Victorville District generally serves High Desert communities including Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and Barstow. When you are uncertain, call the Probate Clerk at (909) 521-3388 before preparing any documents. As a result, filing at the wrong courthouse means your documents will not be processed.

Local Rule 20-603 requires every conservatorship filing in San Bernardino County to include a complete extra copy of the entire petition packet, set aside specifically for the Court Investigator. This is in addition to the copies you keep for your own records. The clerk will not accept your filing without it — and the same requirement applies to all supporting papers filed after the initial petition.

From filing to first hearing, the San Bernardino County conservatorship process generally takes several months. However, the exact timeline depends on the court calendar at your assigned district courthouse, how quickly service and notice are completed, and whether Probate Notes require supplemental filings. Therefore, a well-organized petition submitted at the correct courthouse — with all required copies and documents — gives you the best chance of staying on schedule.

Access your Probate Notes through the Court Access Portal (CAP) at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov. Notes post approximately two weeks before your scheduled hearing and remain available for only seven days after the hearing. Print or save them right away — they are not stored permanently. For questions about a specific note, contact the Probate Clerk at (909) 521-3388.

A conservatorship of the person covers personal decisions — where the conservatee lives, what medical care they receive, and how their day-to-day needs are managed. A conservatorship of the estate covers financial decisions — managing bank accounts, paying bills, handling investments, and filing taxes. Your petition may request authority over one area or both, depending on what the conservatee actually needs.

RFA stands for Recommended for Approval. When the probate examiner finds your petition has no unresolved issues, the notes may carry an RFA notation. Even with an RFA, parties are generally expected to appear at the hearing unless the notes specifically state otherwise. Always read your notes fully and follow any appearance instructions they contain.

Mandatory eFiling for attorneys in the San Bernardino County Probate Division took effect June 16, 2025. Self-represented petitioners may continue to file in person at the courthouse clerk’s window or by mail. eFiling is available to self-represented parties as a voluntary option. Appeal documents are not eligible for eFiling regardless of who is filing.

A formal objection changes the nature of the proceeding significantly. The court may appoint independent counsel to represent the proposed conservatee’s interests and schedule a contested hearing. Contested conservatorships are far more time-consuming and costly than uncontested ones. If there is any likelihood of objection, speaking with a licensed California probate attorney before filing is the right step.

Yes. Probate & More prepares all required Judicial Council forms and applicable local forms for your San Bernardino County conservatorship petition. We guide you through the Local Rule 20-603 extra copy requirement, help identify your correct courthouse, assist with eFiling coordination or in-person filing support, and help you understand and respond to Probate Notes. As a California Registered LDA, we work under your direction as the self-represented petitioner — we do not provide legal advice, appear in court, or serve as your legal representative in any capacity.

Ready to File Conservatorship in San Bernardino County?

San Bernardino County’s conservatorship process has requirements that set it apart from every other California county — a two-courthouse system spanning more than 20,000 square miles, a mandatory extra petition copy for the Court Investigator under Local Rule 20-603, a required self-addressed stamped return envelope, hearing dates set at the time of filing, and Probate Notes that must be saved before they disappear seven days after your hearing. Getting all of these right from the start is what keeps your case on track.

Probate & More prepares your San Bernardino County conservatorship documents with these specific local requirements built in from the beginning — correct courthouse identification, complete petition packet, extra investigator copy, and can provide Probate Notes support through every stage of the process.

Smart. Simple. Affordable. Legal Help Without the Lawyers for San Bernardino Families

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

We are a California Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA). We prepare legal documents — we do not practice law.

For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed California probate attorney.