Guardianship Attorney in Glendale, California

Experienced Glendale Guardianship Lawyer

When parents cannot care for their children due to illness, incarceration, substance abuse, military deployment, or other circumstances, guardianship provides a legal framework for responsible adults to step in and provide care. As an experienced Glendale guardianship attorney with over 25 years of practice, the Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene helps families establish legal guardianship to protect children's welfare and provide stability.

Our guardianship lawyer Glendale CA office is conveniently located at 450 N Brand Blvd, Suite 600, just blocks from the Glendale Superior Court where guardianship petitions are filed. We understand that families seeking guardianship face difficult circumstances, and we provide compassionate, skilled legal representation to help you protect the children you love.

As your child guardianship attorney Glendale, we handle all aspects of guardianship proceedings including petition preparation, court hearings, and ongoing compliance with court requirements. Whether you're a grandparent raising grandchildren, an aunt or uncle stepping in for siblings, or a family friend providing care for a child in need, our guardianship attorney Glendale provides the legal expertise you need to formalize your role as legal guardian.

What Is Guardianship of a Minor in California?

Guardianship of a minor is a legal relationship created by court order in which a responsible adult (the guardian) is given legal authority to care for a child under age 18 (the ward). As a Glendale guardianship lawyer, I help families understand that guardianship gives the guardian the right and responsibility to make decisions about the child's:

• Where the child will live
• Education and school enrollment
• Medical and dental care
• Day-to-day care and supervision
• Extracurricular activities
• General welfare and safety

Guardianship vs. Custody vs. Adoption

Many families are confused about the differences between guardianship, custody, and adoption. Here's how they differ:

Guardianship:

• Established in probate court
• Does not terminate parental rights
• Parents may petition to regain custody if circumstances improve
• Guardian has legal authority to make decisions for the child
• Can be temporary or permanent until child turns 18

Custody:

• Determined in family court, usually in divorce or paternity cases
• Involves parents only (not third parties like grandparents)
• Does not provide as much legal authority as guardianship
• Subject to modification based on parents' circumstances

Adoption:

• Permanently terminates parental rights
• Creates permanent parent-child relationship
• Cannot be reversed (with rare exceptions)
• Birth parents have no right to regain custody

Our guardianship attorney Glendale helps families determine which legal option best serves the child's interests and family circumstances.

When Is Guardianship Necessary?

As a Glendale guardianship lawyer, I work with families facing various situations that require legal guardianship:

Common Guardianship Situations

Parental Incarceration: When one or both parents are in jail or prison and cannot care for their children, guardianship allows another responsible adult to provide care and make legal decisions.

Substance Abuse: When parents struggle with drug or alcohol addiction and cannot provide safe, stable care, guardianship protects children while parents seek treatment and recovery.

Mental Illness: When a parent's psychiatric condition prevents them from caring for their children, guardianship ensures the children's needs are met.

Military Deployment: Active-duty service members may establish guardianship to ensure their children are cared for during deployment, with guardianship terminating upon their return.

Parental Death: When one parent dies and the surviving parent cannot or will not care for the children, guardianship allows relatives or family friends to step in.

Abandonment: When parents have left children in the care of others and failed to maintain contact or provide support, guardianship formalizes the care arrangement.

Serious Illness: When parents have terminal or debilitating illnesses that prevent them from caring for their children, guardianship ensures continuity of care.

Immigration Issues: When parents are deported or face immigration challenges, guardianship allows children to remain in the United States with legal guardians.

Teen Pregnancy: Young parents who cannot care for their babies may consent to guardianship by grandparents or other family members while they complete their education.

Guardianship for Immigrant Children

Our Glendale guardianship attorney also assists with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases, where guardianship is a prerequisite for children seeking legal immigration status after abandonment, abuse, or neglect by one or both parents.

The Guardianship Process in Glendale

Establishing guardianship in Glendale requires following specific procedures set forth in California Probate Code. As your guardianship lawyer Glendale CA, I guide you through each step:

Step 1: Free Consultation

We begin with a consultation to discuss the child's situation, your relationship to the child, the parents' circumstances, and whether guardianship is appropriate. We'll explain the legal process, timeline, and costs.

Step 2: Preparing the Guardianship Petition

Our Glendale guardianship attorney prepares comprehensive guardianship documents including:

• Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor
• Confidential Guardian Screening Form
• Duties of Guardian form
• Declaration of qualifications and consent to serve
• Order Appointing Guardian of Minor

Step 3: Filing with Glendale Superior Court

We file the petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court - Glendale Courthouse located at 600 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91206. Filing fees are approximately $465 (fee waivers available for low-income families).

Step 4: Notice to Parents and Relatives

California law requires notice of the guardianship proceeding to:

• Both parents (unless parental rights terminated)
• Child if age 12 or older
• Child's siblings
• Grandparents
• Any person nominated as guardian in a parent's will

Our guardianship attorney Glendale ensures all required parties receive proper legal notice.

Step 5: Court Investigation (If Required)

In some cases, the court orders an investigation by a court investigator who will:

• Interview the proposed guardian
• Interview the child (if age appropriate)
• Visit the proposed guardian's home
• Check backgrounds
• File a report with the court recommending approval or denial

Step 6: Court Hearing

Approximately 30-60 days after filing, the court holds a hearing. Our child guardianship attorney Glendale represents you at the hearing. If no one objects and the court finds guardianship is in the child's best interests, the judge signs the Order Appointing Guardian and issues Letters of Guardianship.

Step 7: Letters of Guardianship

Letters of Guardianship are the official court documents proving your legal authority as guardian. You'll need these to:

• Enroll the child in school
• Consent to medical treatment
• Apply for public benefits on the child's behalf
• Make legal decisions for the child

Step 8: Ongoing Duties

After appointment, guardians must:

• File annual status reports with the court (if required)
• Manage any assets of the minor conservatively
• Keep records of income and expenses
• Notify the court of any change in circumstances

Our Glendale guardianship lawyer provides ongoing support to help you fulfill your duties as guardian.

Contested Guardianship Proceedings

Sometimes parents or other family members object to the proposed guardianship. Common objections include:

• Parent claims they are now able to resume care
• Other relatives believe they should be appointed guardian instead
• Parent objects to guardianship entirely
• Concerns about the proposed guardian's fitness

When guardianship is contested, the case becomes more complex and may require:

• Detailed evidence about the child's best interests
• Witness testimony
• Expert evaluations
• Multiple court hearings
• Possible trial before a judge

Our experienced guardianship attorney Glendale has handled numerous contested guardianship cases and provides aggressive representation to protect the children we serve. We work with social workers, therapists, teachers, and other professionals to demonstrate why guardianship is necessary and in the child's best interests.

Guardianship vs. Dependency (Juvenile Court)

When there are allegations of child abuse or neglect, the case may be in juvenile dependency court (handled by the Department of Children and Family Services) rather than probate guardianship. Our Glendale guardianship lawyer can advise whether your situation involves dependency court or probate guardianship and represent you in the appropriate forum.

Terminating or Modifying Guardianship

Guardianship can be terminated or modified when circumstances change:

How Guardianship Ends

• Child turns 18: Guardianship automatically terminates when the minor becomes an adult
• Child is adopted: Adoption permanently ends guardianship
• Child marries: Marriage emancipates a minor and terminates guardianship
• Court order: The court terminates guardianship upon petition
• Guardian dies: Death of guardian ends that guardianship (new guardian may be needed)

Parent Petition to Terminate Guardianship

Parents can petition to terminate guardianship and regain custody of their children if they can prove:

• Circumstances have changed substantially
• They are now able to provide proper care
• Terminating guardianship is in the child's best interests

Our guardianship lawyer Glendale CA represents both guardians seeking to maintain guardianship when appropriate and parents seeking to regain custody when they have addressed the issues that led to guardianship.

Changing Guardians

If a guardian can no longer serve, a new guardian can be appointed through court petition. Common reasons for changing guardians include:

• Original guardian's health problems
• Guardian relocating far from child's school and community
• Financial inability to continue care
• Breakdown in guardian-child relationship

Costs of Guardianship in Glendale

Our Glendale guardianship attorney believes in transparent pricing:

Court Filing Fees

• Guardianship petition filing: $465
• Fee waivers available for low-income families

Attorney Fees

Our guardianship attorney Glendale offers flat-fee services for most guardianships:

• Uncontested guardianship: $2,500-$4,500
• Temporary guardianship: $2,000-$3,500
• Contested guardianship: $5,000-$20,000+ (hourly billing)
• Termination of guardianship: $2,000-$4,000

We offer payment plans to make legal guardianship affordable for families caring for children in need. During your free consultation, we'll provide a detailed fee quote based on your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

Our Glendale law office provides comprehensive family law and estate planning services:

• Conservatorship Attorney Glendale - Adult conservatorships for incapacitated individuals
• Estate Planning Glendale - Living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney
• Probate Attorney Glendale - Probate administration and estate settlement
• Guardianship Information - Comprehensive California guardianship guide

Contact Our Glendale Guardianship Attorney Today

If you need to establish guardianship for a child in Glendale, don't wait. Legal guardianship provides the authority you need to enroll the child in school, consent to medical care, and make important decisions for their welfare. The Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene provides experienced, compassionate representation in all guardianship matters.

Our Glendale guardianship lawyer has helped hundreds of families protect children through legal guardianship. We understand the challenges you face and work efficiently to establish guardianship while keeping costs affordable.