Who can file for guardianship in California?

A grandparent, close relative, or family friend can request guardianship if the parents are unable to provide care. The court reviews the case to decide what is best for the child.

Is probate guardianship the same as adoption?

No. Guardianship allows you to care for a child without permanently terminating the parents’ rights, unlike adoption which is permanent.

How long does the guardianship process take?

The process typically takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the court’s availability and whether the case is contested.

Can I apply for emergency guardianship in California?

Yes. Emergency guardianship is available in urgent situations and can be processed more quickly to protect the child.

Probate Guardianship in California

California Guardianship Services

When a parent cannot care for their child due to illness, addiction, or absence, a trusted adult may step in through California’s probate guardianship process.

At LegalDoc-Prep, I help you complete the process — so you can protect the child you love, quickly and correctly.

What Is Probate Guardianship in California?

This process is a legal arrangement where a non-parent adult is granted the right to care for a child. It allows you to make important decisions regarding:

✓ Health and medical care
✓ Education
✓ Daily living and safety

This type of guardianship is handled by the Superior Court – Probate Division, and is typically used when the child’s parents are unable to provide care.

Who Can Request a Guardianship?

You may be eligible to request guardianship if:

✔ You’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or close family friend

The child’s parents are:

✔ Incarcerated
✔ Deceased
✔ Battling addiction
✔ Deployed
✔ Seriously ill

I help prepare all necessary documents and guide you through the court process from start to finish.

Emergency Guardianship

In urgent situations, you may be able to file for a temporary (emergency) probate guardianship.

This option is available when a child is at immediate risk, and a guardian needs to be appointed quickly to ensure their safety and stability.

LegalDoc-Prep can help you prepare the emergency forms, submit them quickly, and walk you through the next legal steps.

⚠️ Note: Emergency guardianships are only granted when there’s clear evidence that the child is in danger or needs immediate care.

How I Help With Guardianship

As a California-licensed Legal Document Assistant, I personally handle every step of the guardianship process — from preparing the petition and court forms to filing and scheduling your hearing. You’ll receive fast, affordable, and personalized support from start to finish.

✔ California-licensed Legal Document Assistant (LDA)
✔ Experience with probate guardianship cases
✔ Fast, affordable, and compassionate service
✔ Support available across the entire state of California

Ready to Take the First Step?

Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you protect the child you love.

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Learn more about guardianship from California Courts

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LegalDoc-Prep (LD-P) is not a law office and cannot represent you in court. We provide document preparation services at your specific direction and pursuant to; Business & Professional Code Sec. 6400. Services provided by (LD-P) are not a substitute for the advice of a lawyer. If you require legal advice contact an attorney; Sacramento Cnty Lawyer Referral at: www.calbar.ca.gov.

All information and contents found within this website has been derived from approved and sanctioned literature found on the California Association of Legal Document Assistants website. For more information please visit Calda.org.