Susan B. Geffen Guides Families Through Conservatorship Complexities

The one-hour virtual session addressed the weight of conservatorships, a legal mechanism that shifts decision-making authority from an individual to an appointed guardian. Geffen emphasized that California probate courts prioritize less restrictive alternatives, urging families to explore all available planning tools before seeking formal court intervention.

For many parents, these questions reach a critical point when a child turns eighteen and assumes legal adulthood. Geffen highlighted the role of limited conservatorships, which allow courts to provide support in specific areas of need while preserving the individual's autonomy elsewhere. With over 30 years of experience and a background in gerontology, Geffen aims to replace the common parental feelings of exhaustion and fear with informed decision-making. The event was part of a ongoing series by the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, an organization that has provided community resources for over five decades.