Probate Court Investigations
A judge will appoint the Probate Court Investigator to investigate new and continuing conservatorships.
Probate Court Investigation Office
Mendocino County Courthouse
100 North State Street, Room 212
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: (707)463-4484, option 2
Please call first if you need to see the investigator.
What is a Probate Court Investigation?
Probate investigations are conducted in conservatorship cases and guardianship cases. After the initial investigation, subsequent reviews are conducted as specified by law.
The scope of the investigation focuses on the conservatee's or minor child's placement, quality of care, and finances.
What Do These Services Cost?
The law authorizes the court to recover the costs associated with the conservatorship investigation. The fee for the initial investigation is $600. The fee for subsequent investigations is $300. The law provides that the fee can be waived or deferred based on financial hardship.
For guardianship investigations, the fee is $500. Potential guardians may request the filing fee and investigation fee be waived or deferred based on financial hardship.
How Long Do These Services Take?
Typically, an investigation takes no more than 30 days. In rare instances, the investigator may request more time from the court to complete the investigation.
Who is the Court Investigator?
The Court Investigator is a trained, skilled, and experienced professional. The Investigator is familiar with community resources and knowledgeable in the laws governing Probate Court.