Conservatorship of David L.

Opinion

CANTIL-SAKAUYE, J.

In this case we resolve the question of whether a prospective conservatee who requests substitute appointed counsel must be given a full opportunity to state the reasons for his request in accordance with People v. Marsden (1970) 2 Cal.3d 118 [84 Cal.Rptr. 156, 465 P.2d 44] (Marsden).

The Shasta County Public Guardian, James D. Livingston (public guardian), filed a petition to appoint a conservator for David L. David’s mother Sandra L. and his sister Lesley L. filed a separate petition in which they sought to be appointed conservators for David. The public defender was…