Overview

This document provides information about probate guardianships for children. It includes general information about court procedures, the duties and responsibilities of probate guardians and other helpful material to assist you in fulfilling the obligations of a guardian.

What is GUARDIANSHIP?

Guardianship is the appointment of an adult, who is not the parent, to be responsible for a minor and/or their estate. Appointment as a guardian requires the filing of a petition and approval by the court.

If the court appoints you as guardian for a child, you will assume important duties and obligations. You will become responsible to the court. It is essential that you clearly understand your duties and responsibilities as a guardian. If you have any questions, you should consult with an attorney who is qualified to advise you in these matters.

Note: If Child Protective Services is involved in the case go to juvenile court to find out what to do.

Types of guardianship

1. Guardianship of the Person: Guardian is responsible for the food, clothing, shelter, and health care needs of the minor, along with small scale finances.
2. Guardianship of the Estate: Guardian is responsible for the significant finances (over $5,000) of the minor from inheritance/gift/court settlement, etc., a bond or a blocked account may be required to secure the estate.
3. Guardianship of the Person and Estate: Guardian is responsible for all aspects of minor’s care and finances. A bond may be required.

Who Will Be The Guardian?

Statutory preferences:

1. One or both parents
2. Person with whom minor has been living in a stable and wholesome environment
3. Any person who is determined suitable and able to provide adequate and proper care and guidance for the minor.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE: FILING A PETITION FOR GUARDIANSHIP

This resource provides information about probate guardianships for children. It includes general information about court procedures, the duties and responsibilities of probate guardians and other helpful material to assist you in fulfilling the obligations of a guardian.

Important Facts

• Child guardianship laws in California are primarily used to place a child in the care of a trusted adult when the child’s parents have died or are unable to properly care for the child, whether due to illness, alcoholism, or drug addiction.
• Probate courts determine whether the requested guardianship is in the best interest of the child.
• Once guardianship is established, it will remain under the supervision of the probate court until the child turns 18 or the court terminates the guardianship, whichever comes first.
• The guardian must keep the court informed of the child’s current residence and cannot move the child out of state without prior court approval.
• The guardian will also have to permit reasonable visitation between the child and his parents and abide by any restrictions the court places on the visitation.
• Guardianship of the Estate: In some instances, where the child inherits significant assets, the probate court will have to carefully consider who to appoint as a guardian of the child’s estate.
• Anyone can petition for guardianship.

Step-By-Step Guide

Before You File

Before you file a petition for guardianship, you should consider the following:

1. Is a guardianship really necessary?
2. Have you considered the alternatives?
3. Do the parents’ consent to the guardianship?
4. Without parental consent, is there enough evidence for you to prove the need for a guardianship?
5. Do you need legal advice or assistance? 

Talk to a lawyer if:

• The child has property with a lot of value
• You live outside California
• There are other legal cases involving the child or child custody going on at the same time (like adoption, custody in family court, juvenile charges)
• The child has special needs (physically/emotionally/developmentally disabled)
• This child is Native American (because Federal laws apply)

Alternatives To Guardianship

Temporary Guardianship

Under certain circumstances petitioner can request and receive appointment as a temporary (30 days) guardian pending the hearing.

Reasons for temporary guardianship:

1. Non-emergency medical treatment
2. Qualify for public assistance
3. School enrollment
4. Mother entering military
5. Desertion by parents
6. Court congestion – hearing date set beyond needed to make important decisions

Investigation

Unless waived by the court, an investigation will be conducted prior to appointing a guardian (before the hearing).

1. If petitioner is a relative of the child: A court investigator will interview the petitioner and the child. If the child’s parents are alive and available, the investigator may interview them too and any other persons deemed essential. The investigator will set up a formal home study where they will visit the home where the child will live, do a background check on the petitioner and review the child’s school and medical records. The investigation is to determine if there is a valid need for the guardianship.
2. The investigator will make a recommendation to the judge.
3. If Petitioner is not a relative: the court will refer the case to the county’s Department of Human Services or Social Services to conduct the investigation.

This investigation can include:

1. Social history of guardian
2. Social history of minor, including special needs
3. The relationship of minor to proposed guardian, and
4. The anticipated duration of the guardianship and plans to provide permanent home for minor.

Appointment Of The Guardian

For your appointment as a guardian to be valid, the Order Appointing Guardian of Minor must be signed. Once the court signs the order, the guardian must take prepared Letters of Guardianship to the clerk’s office where the clerk will issue the letters.

Letters of Guardianship is a legal document that provides proof that you have been appointed and are serving as the guardian for the minor. You should obtain several certified copies of the Letters from the clerk. These legal documents will be of assistance to you in the performance of your duties, such as enrolling the child in school, obtaining medical care, and taking care of the estate business. 

Transfer Of Guardianship

1. The guardian must notify the court of any changes of address
2. If the guardian and minor move to a new country, the guardian must petition for a transfer. The petition is filed in the court where the matter was heard originally. If granted, the file is transferred to the new county of residence. Transfer fees are imposed.

Termination Of Guardianship

Red Flags

• Contested proceedings
• Minor’s inheritance over $5,000
• Guardian does not reside in California
• Minor has unresolved legal proceedings in other case, i.e., juvenile court, adoption, divorce.
• Minor is physically or emotionally disabled
• Minor is “gravely disabled” – mental disorder and/or alcohol/drug addiction
• Minor is Native American

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Probate Guardianship. If you have more questions, contact Los Angeles Family Law Center today.

Note: 

If you have an attorney, the attorney will advise you on your duties and responsibilities, the limits of your authority, the rights of the child, and your dealings with the court. If you have legal questions, you should consult with an attorney. Please remember that the court staff cannot give you legal advice.

If you are not represented by an attorney, you may obtain answers to your questions by contacting community resources, private publications, or Los Angeles Family Law Center.

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