Family Law — Imperial Valley
Guardianship
Establishing legal protection for children and vulnerable adults who need a trusted guardian to act in their best interest.
Overview
Legal protection for those who need it most
Guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a court appoints a responsible adult to care for a minor child or an incapacitated adult. It is often necessary when parents are unable to care for their children due to illness, incarceration, substance abuse, or other circumstances, or when an adult can no longer manage their own affairs.
California recognizes two types of guardianship: guardianship of the person (caring for the individual’s daily needs) and guardianship of the estate (managing financial assets). Scott helps families navigate both types with care and efficiency.
Legal Services
How Scott can help
Guardianship of minors
Guardianship of adults
Guardianship of the person
Guardianship of the estate
Emergency guardianship petitions
Termination of guardianship
Contested guardianship proceedings
Ongoing court reporting requirements
The Process
What to expect
1
Filing the Petition — A petition for guardianship is filed with the probate court, outlining the reasons guardianship is necessary.
2
Notice to Family — Relatives of the child or adult must be notified of the proceedings and given the opportunity to respond.
3
Court Investigation — The court may appoint an investigator to assess the proposed guardian’s suitability and the ward’s circumstances.
4
Court Hearing — A judge reviews all information and makes a determination about whether guardianship is in the best interest of the ward.
5
Letters of Guardianship — Once appointed, the guardian receives official letters authorizing them to act on behalf of the ward.
Have questions about your situation?
Call Scott’s office — he’s here to help.