Do you meet the criteria to terminate your California guardianship? If so, you must file with the court to end the guardianship of this person. There are some steps that you must take, which we will outline for you.
California Guardianship Termination Process
Filling Out Forms: In California, various forms may be required of you to complete the guardianship termination process. For instance, you must file the following:
- Form GC-255, Petition for Termination of Guardianship
- Form GC-020, Notice of Hearing – Guardianship or Conservatorship
- Form GC-260, Order Termination Guardianship
You must ask the court clerk at your chosen court of any other forms you may need to file. From there, you must have these forms reviewed by a family law facilitator if you believe you would benefit from this help. Your attorney can help you with this as well before you move on with your case.
Making Copies of Forms: You should make at least 3 copies of every form. The original one or two copies will be for the court. You will keep one copy to yourself. You should also make more copies for the people who will receive notice, which we will cover shortly.
Filing Forms With Clerk: You must take every copy with you to the clerk’s office in your courthouse. You may have to pay a filing fee, but you can always ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.
Giving Notice: This is one of the most important steps, so you must follow it to a T. This includes giving notice by mail to every person that received notice when you originally filed for guardianship. You must do this at least 15 days before the hearing (the sooner, the better). However, if a relative agreed to end the guardianship, they do not need notice. They must just sign the Consent to Termination Waiver of Service and Notice of Hearing.
Attending the Hearing: Lastly, you must fill out the Order Termination Guardianship, or Form GC-260. If the court decides it is in everybody’s best interest to end the guardianship, they will then sign this form. You must always make sure to file this form after the judge signs it.
California legal procedures involving guardianship termination can sometimes become complicated, which is why it is important to seek the help of an attorney that can help you through the entire process and help you from missing any important steps. Remember: The courts are looking out for the best interests of the child. This will always be the most important factor in your case.