Some parents include their kids in every vacation.  Some plan their vacations sans les enfants.  But every parent, at one time or another, has to leave their children under another person’s (hopefully) watchful eye.  Perhaps it is something unexpected:  a death in the family or an international business trip.  Or maybe it is something as pleasant as a second honeymoon.  Regardless, each is an example of a situation in which children are left in the care of others.  And often, parents will nominate and file with the court a petition for temporary guardianship, which gives another adult the legal right to make medical, school-related, and other important decisions for children left in their care.

Temporary guardianships may have a specific beginning and ending date.  This would be determined by the parents who file the petition with the court, and it would be based on the length of travel, term of absence, or other demands.

There are other, more urgent, instances involving potential danger to a child in which the court can name a temporary guardian.  This can occur in situations such as parents abusing drugs, threatening their children’s safety, or if the parent of an at-risk child is not yet an adult.

Helping families plan for the unexpected is a large part of my responsibility as an estate planning attorney.  It isn’t all trusts and wills!  Filing temporary guardianships is one way to protect children from the unexpected.  It can also provide a little peace of mind for the parents who must leave to handle other potentially stressful situations.

Please contact me with all your questions and concerns about temporary guardianships and other estate planning matters.  I look forward to working with you.  I can be reached at 818.956.9200.

Glendale Location

616 E. Glenoaks Boulevard, Suite 203

Glendale, CA 91207

Sherman Oaks Location

15303 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 900

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403