Conservatorship of the Person and Estate of Martha A
The court held that a trial court abuses its discretion when it permits and gives evidentiary weight to oral objections from a party who has failed to file the required written objections, thereby violating the procedural due-process rules governing conservatorship accounting hearings, and consequently reversed the fee-reduction order and remanded for a new determination based solely on the properly filed written objections.
Date Filed: August 22, 2025
Case Name: Conservatorship of the Person and Estate of Martha A
Case Number: G063437
Court: California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three
The Court holds that a trial court abuses its discretion when it permits and gives evidentiary weight to oral objections from a party who has failed to file the required written objections, even if the court later claims to have considered those statements. Accordingly, the appellate court reverses the order reducing attorney fees and remands for a new determination based solely on the written objections properly filed. This ruling reinforces that conservatorship accounting hearings must follow established procedural rules, protecting due‑process rights and ensuring fee awards are decided on the record‑ed evidence rather than on waived, informal remarks.
This case summary was prepared for educational purposes. For the authoritative version, please refer to the full opinion or the official California Courts website.