Guardianship Attorney in Beverly Hills

Family Law Representation Rooted in How California Courts Protect Children

Cary Goldstein, Esq., PC provides legal representation in guardianship and family law matters for families throughout Southern California. Guardianship is a court-created legal relationship giving a non-parent adult responsibility for the care of a minor child. These proceedings carry real stakes for children and families, and navigating them calls for careful legal guidance.

The firm’s family law practice covers divorce, child custody, cohabitation agreements, and guardianship matters. Each case receives the thorough, personalized attention the matter requires.

If your family is facing a guardianship question in the Beverly Hills area, Cary Goldstein, Esq., PC can help. Call (310) 935-0711 to discuss your situation.

Guardianship of the Person vs. Guardianship of the Estate

California law recognizes two distinct types of guardianship, and a family may need one or both depending on the circumstances.

Guardianship of the Person
This form gives a non-parent adult legal and physical custody responsibilities similar to a parent’s, including authority over the child’s education and medical care. It’s the most common arrangement when a parent is temporarily or indefinitely unable to care for a child.

Guardianship of the Estate
This form involves managing a minor’s income, money, or property. It is generally required when a child stands to receive more than $5,000 in assets, such as through an inheritance or settlement.

Guardianship is also distinct from related legal concepts worth understanding. Unlike adoption, it doesn’t terminate a parent’s legal rights; a guardianship can be modified or ended by petition if a parent’s circumstances change. Conservatorship, by contrast, applies to adults 18 or older who can’t manage their own personal or financial affairs and is governed by a separate framework under California law.

A probate court will only grant guardianship if doing so serves the best interest of the child. The arrangement remains under court supervision until the child turns 18, is adopted, marries, enters active military duty, or the court otherwise terminates it.

The Guardianship Process for Beverly Hills Families

Guardianship petitions for Beverly Hills and other Los Angeles County residents are filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Probate Division, with matters generally heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. Understanding the steps involved helps families prepare.

• Filing the Petition: The process begins with filing a formal petition. Filing fees are generally around $225 for a guardianship of the person and $450 for a guardianship of the estate, though families should confirm current amounts with the court. Fee waivers are available based on income.
• Notice to Parents and Relatives: After filing, the child’s parents and close relatives must be served with notice of the hearing. They may consent to the guardianship or file an objection.
• Court Investigation: Before the hearing, the court typically arranges an investigation into whether the guardianship is necessary. When the proposed guardian isn’t a relative, an investigation by the county’s designated child welfare agency is mandatory.
• The Hearing: A judge considers the evidence and determines whether the guardianship serves the child’s best interest. If approved, the judge signs an Order Appointing Guardian.
• Letters of Guardianship: Once the order is signed, the guardian obtains Letters of Guardianship from the court clerk. These letters serve as proof of authority for matters like school enrollment and medical care.

The figures and procedural requirements above are general guidance. Families should confirm the court’s current requirements at the time of filing.

A Team with Firsthand Experience in Child-Welfare Proceedings

Sarah Clark, co-counsel with the firm, brings direct background in child-welfare proceedings to the team. She interned with the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office Child Dependency Unit and assisted in representing children in dependency proceedings, giving her a grounded perspective on how courts evaluate the best interest of a child.

That background, combined with the firm’s broader family law experience in divorce, child custody, and cohabitation matters, means Beverly Hills families have access to legal representation that understands how guardianship intersects with other aspects of family law. Complex matters receive thorough, personalized attention from attorneys who take the time to understand each client’s situation.

Discuss Your Guardianship Matter with the Firm

Whether you’re seeking to establish a guardianship, respond to a petition, or understand your options under California law, Cary Goldstein, Esq., PC can provide legal guidance tailored to your family’s circumstances. The firm serves clients throughout Southern California, including Beverly Hills and the surrounding communities.

Contact Cary Goldstein, Esq., PC today to speak with a guardianship attorney about your matter. Call (310) 935-0711 to schedule a consultation.