A conservator (legal guardian) is assigned by the courts to provide for the care of someone who cannot provide for their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter due to a mental disorder. This type of conservatorship is called an LPS Conservatorship, named after the Lanterman Petris Short Act that brought about the establishment of this type of conservatorship in the state of California. These conservatorships may be temporary or permanent. When assigned on a temporary basis they are effective for 30 days. Before 30 days are over, the conservator may petition the court to extend the conservatorship to permanent status. When a conservatorship becomes permanent it must be renewed yearly, otherwise it will expire at the end of 12 months.

LPS Conservatorships are initiated by the director of a state hospital or by a professional (or designee) in charge of a local mental health facility. Any of these people, designated by law, can refer a consumer to the Public Guardian's Office (PGO) for an LPS Conservatorship. In Fresno County, only the PGO can petition the court for the appointment of an LPS Conservator.