Guardianship Lawyer in Pasadena, CA
California Guardianship Representation Backed by a Certified Family Law Specialist
When a parent can no longer care for a child, a guardianship gives another trusted adult the legal authority to step in. At Gille Kaye Law Group, PC, our team includes a Certified Family Law Specialist with direct court experience in guardianship matters, giving families throughout Los Angeles County representation grounded in both family law and the realities of these cases.
If you’re considering guardianship for a child in the Pasadena area, call us at (626) 340-0955 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
What Is a California Guardianship?
A guardianship is a court order giving an adult who is not a child’s legal parent the authority and responsibility to care for that child, or to manage the child’s money or property, because the parent currently cannot do so. Circumstances that often prompt a guardianship petition include a parent’s death, incarceration, serious illness, or substance abuse issues. The arrangement isn’t permanent: parental rights are suspended, not terminated, and the guardianship ends when the court orders it or the child turns 18.
Guardianship of the Person vs. Guardianship of the Estate
California recognizes two distinct types of guardianship, and a child’s situation may call for one or both.
Guardianship of the Person
This type grants the guardian legal and physical custody of the child, along with authority to make medical, educational, and daily-care decisions, much like a parent. It’s the most common form sought by relatives or family friends stepping in to raise a child.
Guardianship of the Estate
This applies when a child has inherited significant money or property, or is entitled to proceeds from litigation. It isn’t required simply because a child receives government benefits such as Social Security or CalWORKs. A person can be appointed guardian of the person, guardian of the estate, or both, depending on what the child actually needs.
The Guardianship Process in Los Angeles County
Establishing a guardianship involves several steps. The proposed guardian files a petition, then provides notice to the child’s parents and close relatives. Before any hearing, the court appoints an investigator to interview the proposed guardian, conduct a background check, and submit a report to the judge.
Filing fees are set statewide: $225 for a guardianship of the person, and $450 for a guardianship of the estate or a combined petition. Fee waivers are available based on the child’s income. In Los Angeles County, these cases fall under the Superior Court’s Probate Division, centered at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles rather than at a local branch courthouse. If a parent objects, the court can override that objection only when remaining with the parent would be detrimental to the child and the guardianship serves the child’s best interest.
When Formal Guardianship May Not Be Necessary
A full court-ordered guardianship isn’t always the right tool. In some situations, a parent can sign a written authorization allowing another adult to enroll the child in school or obtain medical care without going through the full guardianship process. Similarly, a guardianship of the estate isn’t required just because a child receives government benefits. Knowing which path fits your circumstances is exactly where legal guidance can save time and expense.
Why Families in Pasadena Choose Gille Kaye Law Group, PC for Guardianship Matters
Christine Gille, our Certified Family Law Specialist, brings 31 years of family law experience to guardianship cases. She has served as court-appointed Minor’s Counsel (an attorney appointed by the court to represent the child’s interests directly) in guardianship proceedings and has continuously qualified as Minor’s Counsel under California law for over 15 years. That court-side perspective on how guardianship cases are evaluated is a distinguishing credential in family law. Earning the Certified Family Law Specialist designation requires passing a written examination administered by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization, demonstrating courtroom experience, and meeting ongoing continuing education requirements.
Here is what sets our firm apart for families navigating guardianship in Los Angeles County:
- Minor’s Counsel experience: Christine Gille has represented children’s interests directly in guardianship cases as court-appointed counsel, giving our firm insight into how courts weigh the child’s best interest.
- Certified Family Law Specialist: Board-certified family law knowledge applied to guardianship of the person matters, not a general estate planning approach.
- Mediation for disputed cases: When family members disagree about a proposed guardianship, we offer mediation to work toward resolution without prolonged litigation.
- Individualized strategy: We build an approach specific to your family’s circumstances and goals, with the attention of a smaller firm backed by the depth of a well-established practice.
Schedule a Consultation About Your Guardianship Matter
If a child in your life needs a guardian, or if you’re facing a contested guardianship petition, getting clear legal guidance early matters. We can help you understand whether a formal guardianship is the right step, what the process involves, and how to protect the child’s well-being throughout.
Contact Gille Kaye Law Group, PC at (626) 340-0955 or reach us through our website contact form to schedule a consultation. We represent families in Pasadena, California and throughout Los Angeles County.