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1. How do I verify an educational degree?

   If you have a college or graduate degree and want to list it, you must submit verification either in the form of a letter from the educational institution or an official transcript. A copy of a diploma is not an accepted form of verification.

2. If I have more than one degree, do I need to verify each degree?

   You must verify each degree you claim, but you may choose not to claim every degree you have received. For example, an attorney who has a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law degree from a law school may choose to list only the law degree and not list a B.A. or B.S. from college. In that case, the attorney would need to provide verification only for the law degree. Similarly, a person with a Masters degree might choose to list only that degree and not the undergraduate degree.

3. Who has to register in the Statewide Registry?

   Every private conservator, guardian, or trustee unless specifically exempted by law is required to register. (Probate Code section 2850 et seq.)

4. If I am a private conservator for my mother or father, do I have to register in the Statewide Registry?

   No. You do not have to register if you are acting as a private conservator, guardian or trustee for someone who is related to you by blood, marriage or adoption. In addition, you do not have to register if you are a private conservator for someone who resided in the same home with you immediately before the events which required you to become private conservator occurred

5. If I register in the Statewide Registry, do I still have to register with the counties?

   Yes. The law that created the Statewide Registry states that the law is not intended to replace the registration system in the counties.

6. What is the purpose of the Statewide Registry when I already register with the counties?

   The Statewide Registry provides a centralized source of information for judges. Judges can find out important information about persons they are considering appointing as private conservators and guardians without having to check every county.

7. When do I have to register in the Statewide Registry?

   Every private conservator and guardian who is required to register must be registered in order to continue serving in that capacity and in order for a court to appoint that person to any new case. As of January 1, 2004, the law was amended to require all trustees to register, unless specifically exempted; however, courts are not required to remove any trustee from any existing case until January 1, 2005.

8. Do I have to register in the Statewide Registry every year?

   No. You only register every three years.

9. If I am currently registered as a conservator or guardian, must I submit a new application and a new fee to register as a trustee. now that registration for trustees is mandatory rather than voluntary?

   Yes. However, when you submit the new registration as a trustee, you may also register as a conservator or guardian, as appropriate, which has the effect of extending your registration as a conservator or guardian. If you do this, when you renew your registration, you may renew in all appropriate categories for a single fee.

10. What is the registration fee?

    The registration fee is $385 for the three year period.

11. Can I get a partial refund if I cease being a private professional conservator, guardian or trustee?

    No. The law does not provide for refunds. In any event, most of the costs are for the initial registration so any refund would be so small it would be outweighed by the administrative costs of processing it.

12. The information I provide to the counties when I register is available only to the court and otherwise is confidential. Is the information I give to the Statewide Registry confidential?

    The public has limited access to the information you provide to the Statewide Registry. Any member of the public may obtain your name, the fact that you are registered, your education, and your professional experience. Otherwise, the information is available only to judges or court personnel authorized by judges to obtain the information.

13. Can I obtain the information from the Statewide Registry submitted by other private conservators, guardians and trustees?

    No. You are considered a member of the public for this purpose. You may, of course, access the information in your own file. For technological reasons, you cannot obtain access online to see your file once you have submitted your registration, although you may obtain copies of the information in your file.

14. According to the web site, I can register online, but I still have to mail a form. Why?

    Registering online will speed the processing of your application, but the law requires each private professional conservator, guardian, and trustee to register by submitting a signed declaration. Therefore, the Statewide Registry requires you to print and sign the application form after you have entered the information online, and to send payment with the form.

15. Who do I contact if I have questions? Where do I mail my form?

    Click on the "Contact Information" button on the home page of the website for the Statewide Registry, and it will give you the name, address, telephone and FAX numbers, and the e-mail address.