USC Gould School of Law 48th Annual Trust & Estate Conference
Dr. Bonnie Olsen, geropsychologist and expert in decisional capacity, will discuss the development of the Judicial Guardianship Evaluation Worksheet, a tool for probate judges to evaluate relevant factors in assessing the propriety and scope of conservatorships for older adults. Dr. Olsen and her team developed the Worksheet at the behest of the Department of Justice as part of a national effort to advance conservatorship reform. The tool prompts the Court to consider the proposed conservatees’ retained capacities, susceptibility to harm, and less restrictive alternatives to preserve elder rights through targeted remedies. We are also pleased that Judge Paul Suzuki (Retired) and Dr. Olsen will complete the 45-minute presentation discussing how the Worksheet may impact consideration of evidence in probate matters.
