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HomeEvidence CodeDiv. 8Ch. 4Art. 3§ 953 Client Privilege Holders

§ 953 Client Privilege Holders

Evidence Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 953 Client Privilege Holders

Key Takeaways

  • •The 'holder of the privilege' is usually the client, unless they have a guardian or conservator.
  • •If the client has a guardian or conservator, they hold the privilege unless they have a conflict of interest with the client.
  • •If the client is dead, their personal representative holds the privilege.
  • •If a business or organization no longer exists, its successor or representative holds the privilege.

Example

A person gets into a car accident and hires a lawyer. Later, the person becomes very sick and their sister is appointed as their guardian.

Now, the sister is the 'holder of the privilege' because she is the guardian. This means she can make decisions about sharing the person's private talks with the lawyer, unless she has a conflict of interest with her sibling.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 953 Client Privilege Holders

As used in this article, “holder of the privilege” means: (a) The client, if the client has no guardian or conservator. (b) (1) A guardian or conservator of the client, if the client has a guardian or conservator, except as provided in paragraph (2). (2) If the guardian or conservator has an actual or apparent conflict of interest with the client, then the guardian or conservator does not hold the privilege. (c) The personal representative of the client if the client is dead, including a personal representative appointed pursuant to Section 12252 of the Probate Code. (d) A successor, assign, trustee in dissolution, or any similar representative of a firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, corporation, or public entity that is no longer in existence. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 475, Sec. 1. (AB 1290) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

holder of the privilegeguardian or conservatorpersonal representativesuccessor

Related Statutes

  • § 1013 Patient Privilege Holders
  • § 1035.6 Privilege Holder Definition
  • § 954 Client-Lawyer Confidentiality Privilege
  • § 993 Patient Privilege Holder Definition
  • § 1035.8 Sexual Assault Counselor Privilege

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 953.
View Official Source