Guardianship Paperwork in California

The court describes them: file the petition, the clerk sets a hearing, parents and relatives are served with the papers and hearing notice, a court investigator reports to the judge, then the hearing, followed by yearly updates to the court on the child.

Form GC-210, Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor, or the person-only version GC-210(P), Petition for Appointment of Guardian of the Person. A guardianship of the estate or of both requires GC-210. A temporary guardian is requested on GC-110. We prepare the forms you direct.

The court may issue letters of temporary guardianship if there is an immediate and compelling need. Notice of the hearing must be personally served at least five court days before, on the parents, the child if 12 or older, and anyone with a visitation order, unless the court excuses notice.

A Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit normally lets a relative caregiver enroll a child in school and secure medical treatment without a court case, and the parents may revoke it. Whether it fits your situation is your decision.

The court says it ends when the child turns 18 or the court orders it ended, and a parent can ask to end it when able to provide care. If Child Protective Services removed the child, the case is generally in juvenile court rather than a probate guardianship.