Services / Guardianship & Paternity
Guardianship & Paternity Documents
Professional preparation of guardianship, conservatorship, and paternity documents for California families. Whether you need to establish legal guardianship of a minor, petition for conservatorship of an adult, or establish parentage — we prepare the paperwork at your direction.
What We Prepare
Guardianship of the Person
Petition to appoint a legal guardian for a minor child. Includes nomination forms, duties of guardian, and all court-required attachments.
Guardianship of the Estate
Petition to manage a minor's assets or inheritance. Required when a minor receives property or money through inheritance, settlement, or gift.
Temporary Guardianship
Emergency or temporary guardianship petitions when immediate action is needed to protect a minor child. Often filed alongside the permanent guardianship petition.
Conservatorship (LPS / Probate)
Conservatorship of the person or estate for adults who cannot manage their own affairs. Both LPS (mental health) and probate conservatorships.
Paternity / Parentage Actions
Petition to establish legal parentage, including Voluntary Declaration of Paternity, and custody and support orders tied to parentage establishment.
Termination of Guardianship
Petitions to terminate an existing guardianship when circumstances change and the guardianship is no longer needed.
How It Works
Free Consultation
We discuss your situation — who needs a guardian, why, and what type of guardianship or parentage action applies. We help you understand the different options available under California law.
Document Preparation
We prepare all required court forms based on your specific circumstances and instructions. Guardianship cases require detailed background information — we guide you through what's needed.
Filing & Court Instructions
We provide clear instructions for filing, serving notice on all required parties, and preparing for any court hearings. You remain in control of your case.
Important: We cannot advise on whether guardianship or conservatorship is the best option, or represent you in court hearings. We prepare documents at your specific direction. Court filing fees and investigation fees are separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between guardianship and adoption?+
Guardianship is a court-ordered relationship where a non-parent is given legal responsibility for a minor child. The parents' rights are suspended but not terminated — they may still have visitation rights and financial obligations. Adoption permanently terminates the biological parents' rights and creates a new, permanent parent-child relationship. We prepare documents for both at your direction.
Who can file for guardianship in California?+
Any adult relative or non-relative with a legitimate interest in the child's welfare can petition for guardianship. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings, and family friends are common petitioners. The court evaluates what is in the child's best interest. We prepare the petition and supporting documents based on your information.
How long does a guardianship case take?+
An uncontested guardianship typically takes 2-4 months from filing to court order. Temporary emergency guardianships can be obtained more quickly — often within days — when there is an immediate risk to the child. The timeline depends on court availability in your county and whether the guardianship is contested by the parents.
What's involved in establishing paternity in California?+
Establishing paternity (legal parentage) can be done voluntarily through a Declaration of Paternity signed by both parents, or through a court action. Once paternity is established, custody, visitation, and child support orders can follow. We prepare paternity petitions and supporting documents at your direction.
Related Services
Need Guardianship or Paternity Documents?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and get the right documents prepared. Same-day appointments often available.