A Guardianship Designation lets you name who will care for your minor children under 18 if you and the other parent pass away or become incapacitated. Without this document, a California judge will decide who raises your children — and the decision may not be yours. It is one of the most important documents for any parent. Bilingual, California-valid, no attorney needed.
EVERY parent of minor children under 18 in California. No matter your age, health, or marital status — accidents happen. If both parents pass without designating a guardian, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other relatives can fight in court for custody. The judge decides based on "best interests of the child" — but the judge does not know your family. Your children could end up with a family member you would NOT want them with. The Guardianship Designation gives you the final say over who raises them.
Under Probate Code §§1500-1502, parents may designate a guardian in writing through a signed and witnessed document. If the parents pass away or become incapacitated, the designated guardian has legal preference over any other claimant. The judge is NOT required to accept the designated guardian if they find it is not in the minor's best interest — but the designation carries great weight. We recommend including this clause also in your Will or Living Trust for maximum protection.
Complements. We recommend designating the guardian in BOTH documents for consistency. The designation in this document can be effective DURING your life if you become incapacitated, while the Will is only effective after death.
Yes, but it is generally NOT recommended. Keeping siblings together is almost always best for minors.
Legally no, but ethically yes — you should discuss it with the person beforehand. They need to know they are willing to take on that responsibility.
If parents are separated or divorced, the surviving parent has preferential custody right. This designation is for the case where BOTH parents are unavailable.
Only $149. A decision that protects your children for just $149 — worth every penny.
NO. It is a NOMINATION — your preference for the case you cannot raise your children. It only activates if you die or become incapacitated. A judge confirms the nomination. Most of the time the judge respects your choice.
It does NOT require legal consent, but MORALLY you must talk to the person BEFORE naming them. Surprising someone with guardianship of 3 children via a will is unfair and often results in the person declining.
Yes. If you have multiple children with different needs, you can name a specific guardian for each. But judges generally prefer to keep siblings together unless there is a strong reason to separate.
Every level includes a legally valid California document. Higher levels add additional clauses and supplementary documents.
All levels comply with California Probate Code §§1500–1502. Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help platform. We do not provide legal advice.
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Additional legal documents that clients in your situation frequently request with Multi Servicios 360, a self-help legal document preparation platform.
Multi Servicios 360 es una plataforma tecnológica de autoayuda que permite a las personas preparar sus propios documentos legales. No somos un bufete de abogados, no actuamos como abogados, no redactamos documentos por usted, y no brindamos asesoría legal ni recomendaciones sobre qué documentos legales son apropiados para su situación específica. Si necesita asesoría legal, debe consultar a un abogado licenciado en California.