Court records examined amid broader review of California’s conservatorship system
CONCORD, Calif. (Diablo Valley Times) — A newly published investigation into California’s conservatorship system is drawing renewed attention to Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías after court records detailed her unsuccessful effort to place her mother under a conservatorship during a years-long family dispute over real estate. The case, which concluded after medical experts determined her mother did not suffer from dementia or lack the capacity to manage her own affairs, has resurfaced as Ávila Farías serves on the California Assembly’s Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, the panel responsible for overseeing legislation affecting older adults.
Top areas covered
Conservatorship dispute involving Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías
Findings from medical and court-appointed experts
Family real estate and bankruptcy history
Questions surrounding financial disclosures
California’s broader conservatorship oversight debate
Political background and current legislative role
Conservatorship case revisited
The investigation, based on Contra Costa County Superior Court records, recounts a legal battle that began in 2018 when AnaMaria Ávila Bugarin sought to defend her independence after her daughter petitioned the court to appoint a conservator over her personal and financial affairs.
According to court records, Ávila Bugarin argued that the conservatorship petition stemmed from a family conflict involving several residential properties rather than concerns about her mental capacity. She maintained throughout the proceedings that she remained fully capable of managing her own affairs and challenged claims that she suffered from dementia.
The legal proceedings became increasingly contentious after Ávila Bugarin sought a temporary restraining order alleging elder abuse following a physical altercation with her daughter during the property dispute. Court filings show the restraining order remained in place for approximately one year while related legal matters continued.
Medical evaluations rejected dementia claims
As part of the conservatorship proceedings, multiple professionals evaluated Ávila Bugarin’s mental capacity.
Two physicians concluded she did not suffer from dementia, and a neuropsychological evaluation similarly found no significant cognitive impairment. Court-appointed experts determined she remained capable of making her own legal, financial and medical decisions.
The court-appointed professional fiduciary assigned to oversee the temporary conservatorship also reportedly advised investigators that Ávila Bugarin appeared capable of caring for herself and did not display the concerns outlined in the conservatorship petition.
Similar conclusions were reached regarding another family member included in the petition, Judith Ávila, with evaluators finding she likewise did not require a conservatorship.
Settlement resolved dispute
Although medical experts determined that neither individual required a conservatorship, the legal proceedings continued before ultimately ending in a settlement.
Under the agreement, ownership of two disputed properties was transferred to Ávila Farías, while the jointly owned family home was eventually sold. Court records indicate proceeds from the sale were used to pay more than $186,000 in legal expenses, fiduciary costs and other fees generated during the litigation. Ávila Bugarin also received funds from the property’s sale under the settlement agreement.
The conservatorship petitions and restraining order were dismissed as part of the resolution.
Financial history examined
The investigation also reviewed financial records involving Ávila Farías and her husband, noting that they and their real estate company filed for bankruptcy on multiple occasions beginning in 2011.
Court and property records describe a series of property transfers involving three Contra Costa County homes that later became central to the family dispute. The report also highlighted differing statements regarding ownership and financial responsibility for one property made in separate court filings and submissions to the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
The Fair Political Practices Commission separately investigated disclosure issues involving Ávila Farías in 2024. According to public records, the commission closed the matter in 2025 after amended disclosure forms were filed and educational requirements were completed.
Response from Assemblymember
Ávila Farías declined to discuss specific details of the conservatorship case, citing the confidentiality provisions contained in the settlement agreement.
Through a spokesperson, she stated there has never been a judicial finding that she engaged in wrongdoing and noted that conservatorship proceedings often involve complicated family disputes. The spokesperson also pointed out that she has since been appointed by a court to serve as conservator for another family member.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas’ office said the Speaker was unaware of the previous conservatorship proceedings or temporary restraining order when appointing Ávila Farías to the Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee.
Conservatorship system remains under scrutiny
The case comes amid continuing examination of California’s conservatorship system, which has faced increased public attention in recent years over concerns involving oversight, transparency and protections for vulnerable adults.
Conservatorships allow courts to appoint another individual or professional fiduciary to manage the personal care or finances of adults deemed unable to make decisions independently. While designed to protect vulnerable individuals, critics have argued the system can become costly, prolonged and susceptible to misuse without sufficient judicial oversight.
The Legislature has considered numerous reforms in recent years aimed at strengthening protections for conservatees, increasing accountability for professional fiduciaries and improving court oversight following several high-profile cases.
Ávila Farías, who represents portions of Contra Costa County in the Assembly and is seeking reelection, has indicated she intends to introduce legislation addressing conservatorships based on her personal experience, although details of any proposal have not yet been announced.
