Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Is submitting an Issue Conference Statement too difficult for a layperson?

I am facing a contested conservatorship for my disabled sister, and I am representing myself. The court is requesting an Issue Conference Statement. It requests to describe my claims or defenses and facts and the law? I would like to respond by saying: "I did not agree to the co-conservatorship at mediation in which the mediator threatened me repeatedly that I would lose the conservatorship completely if I did not "cave in" to the co-conservator. He falsely wrote "full agreement" in his report without written or signed statement from the parties."

I attempted to find examples and guidance at the court law library but to no avail. Also, I must pursue this matter on my own or until I may go to trial because my former attorney charged me exuberantly, and he was not honorable.

Furthermore, the court-appointed attorney has filed numerous continuous(s) and postponement. She behaves as the attorney for my disabled sister AND the brother's attorney as well (he is contesting the conservatorship). This seems to me as a conflict of interest for she is providing the contestor free representation at the state's expense.


Asked on 7/17/10, 1:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

Filling out the Statement is relatively easy, but it sounds as though you may not know what the legal issues are and what you re entitled to argue. Your former attorney should have told you that. Ask for your complete file and for an explanation as to what is good and bad about your case, how to move forward, etc.

The appointed attorney should only be looking out for your sister's interests. You may be over reacting as to thinking that she is helping your brother, but if you can show that then yo should tell her and mention it to the Judge [put it in the Statement as something to be dealt with]. A mediator is supposed to take a neutral stance and not force someone int doing that which they oppose. If he prepared a report that is inaccurate, you need to point that out to the court.

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Answered on 7/18/10, 3:01 pm


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