Guardianship nominations are a vital part of comprehensive estate planning for parents and caregivers who want to name trusted individuals to care for minor children or adults who may become incapacitated. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we help families in Covina and throughout Los Angeles County draft clear nominations that express your wishes and reduce uncertainty. A well-drafted guardianship nomination clarifies who you prefer to serve as guardian, outlines any conditions you deem important, and integrates with other estate planning documents. Planning ahead helps families avoid contested proceedings and ensures children receive continuity of care from people you trust.
Deciding on guardianship nominees involves emotional and practical considerations, and the legal documentation you prepare today can shape a child’s future. Our approach focuses on listening to your priorities, explaining how nominations function in California law, and helping you select language that aligns with your family situation. Whether you already have a trust, will, or powers of attorney, we coordinate nominations to fit your broader plan. We also provide guidance on alternate nominees and contingencies so your plan remains effective even if circumstances change over time.
Guardianship nominations give parents and caregivers control over who will raise and care for their children if they cannot do so themselves. This document reduces ambiguity and provides courts with a clear statement of your preferences, which can be highly persuasive in guardianship proceedings. Beyond selecting a caregiver, nominations can address practical considerations such as education, health care decision-making, and living arrangements. When aligned with wills and trusts, nominations also help minimize conflicts among family members by setting expectations in advance. Families benefit from smoother transitions, reduced litigation risk, and greater confidence that children’s needs will be met according to the parents’ values.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves families across California, including Covina, with comprehensive estate planning services that include guardianship nominations. Our team brings long-standing practice in estate documents such as revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and specialized trusts. We prioritize practical legal solutions tailored to family dynamics and the needs of minor children or dependents with disabilities. Clients appreciate our clear communication, careful drafting, and focus on preserving family intentions while minimizing unnecessary procedural hurdles in court.
A guardianship nomination is a statement in a will or separate document that identifies the persons you would like the court to appoint as guardian of your minor children or an incapacitated adult. In California, the court is not strictly bound by nominations but will give them considerable weight when they reflect a parent’s informed choice. Nominations are part of a broader estate plan and should be coordinated with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. The nomination can name a primary guardian and alternates, and can include guidance about the guardian’s responsibilities and any personal preferences for the child’s upbringing.
While a nomination expresses your preferences, it is also important to plan for contingency scenarios such as the death or unavailability of a nominated guardian. Including alternates and discussing expectations with potential nominees helps ensure a smoother transition if the court must appoint a guardian. Guardianship nominations can be updated or revoked as family circumstances change, so regular review is recommended. Effective planning balances legal clarity with the flexibility to adapt to new situations, such as relocation, health changes, or shifts in family relationships.
A guardianship nomination is a legal declaration naming the person or people you prefer to serve as guardian for a minor child or adult who becomes unable to care for themselves. This nomination can appear in a will, trust, or a standalone document and typically names primary and alternate guardians. The court considers these nominations alongside the child’s best interests, family circumstances, and any relevant evidence about the nominee’s suitability. Although a nomination does not guarantee appointment, it carries significant weight and helps signal your intent, reducing uncertainty and guiding loved ones and the court toward a solution aligned with your wishes.
Key elements of an effective guardianship nomination include clear identification of the nominee(s), alternate choices, any conditions or preferences you want the court to consider, and coordination with your estate planning documents. The drafting process typically involves gathering family information, reviewing existing wills or trusts, discussing candidate suitability, and preparing language that reflects your preferences while remaining flexible. After execution, copies should be shared with nominated guardians and your estate planning advisor. Periodic review ensures nominations remain current as life circumstances evolve, such as changes in relationships, health, or the financial situation of nominated caregivers.
Understanding common terms helps families make informed choices about guardianship nominations. Terms such as guardianship, conservatorship, testamentary guardianship, Heggstad petition, and pour-over will often appear when planning for children or incapacitated adults. Familiarity with these concepts clarifies how nominations interact with wills, trusts, advance directives, and financial powers of attorney. Knowing the legal vocabulary reduces confusion during decision making and when communicating your wishes to potential guardians. This section defines important terms and explains their practical relevance so you can plan with confidence and clarity.
A guardian nomination is a statement within a legal document naming the person you prefer to serve as guardian for your minor child or incapacitated adult. It typically names a primary guardian and one or more alternates and can include preferences about upbringing, education, and living arrangements. While the court ultimately decides based on the best interests of the child, a clear nomination provides strong guidance and reduces the likelihood of contested proceedings. Nominations should be coordinated with other estate documents to ensure consistency across your plan and to address contingencies.
A conservatorship is a legal arrangement in which the court appoints an individual to manage the personal care or financial matters of an adult who is unable to do so themselves. Conservatorships differ from guardianships, which generally concern minors, though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation. For adults, conservatorships can cover health care decisions, housing, and financial management. Planning tools like powers of attorney and advance health care directives can sometimes avoid or narrow conservatorship proceedings by demonstrating the incapacitated person’s prior arrangements and trusted decision makers.
Testamentary guardianship refers to a guardianship nomination contained in a last will and testament. When a parent’s will designates a guardian for minor children, the nomination takes effect only after the parent’s death and is presented to the court during guardianship proceedings. Because the nomination is part of the will, it provides a formal and widely recognized method to express guardian preferences. It is important to ensure the will is properly executed and periodically updated so the nomination remains aligned with current wishes and family circumstances.
A Heggstad petition is a legal filing used to transfer assets into trust where the trust was not funded during the settlor’s lifetime. In the context of guardianship and estate planning, a Heggstad petition can help ensure that assets intended to support children or a guardian’s responsibilities are legally recognized as trust property. This petition provides a remedy to reflect the settlor’s intent when funding formalities were overlooked, helping to preserve financial provisions for guardianship arrangements and reducing the risk of probate delays or disputes over asset ownership.
Families often weigh multiple legal options to protect children and dependents, including guardianship nominations in wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. A guardianship nomination is specifically focused on naming who will care for minors, while trusts and wills handle property distribution and financial support. Powers of attorney and health care directives address decision-making during incapacity. Each tool has a role: nominations guide the court on preferred caregivers, and complementary documents ensure resources and authority are in place to support those caregivers in meeting the child’s needs and preferences.
A limited guardianship nomination may be appropriate when family arrangements are straightforward and there is a clear, reliable person willing to accept guardianship on short notice. If the nominated guardian is financially capable, lives nearby, and family consensus exists, a simple nomination within a will may provide the level of protection families need. Parents in stable circumstances who do not require complex financial planning or special needs provisions can often rely on a focused nomination accompanied by a basic will and powers of attorney to cover most contingencies without more elaborate trust structures.
A limited approach may also be sufficient when there is minimal risk of family disputes and the child’s financial needs are modest or covered by existing arrangements. If the parents’ assets are straightforward and the family has discussed caregiving expectations with the nominated guardian, a concise nomination can reduce administrative steps while still providing significant guidance to the court. In such scenarios, maintaining clear communication with your chosen guardian and ensuring access to essential documents will help the nomination serve its intended purpose without additional legal layering.
A comprehensive approach is often advisable when family dynamics are complex, minors have special needs, or there are concerns about potential disputes among relatives. For children with disabilities, coordinating guardianship nominations with special needs trusts and government benefit planning is essential to protect eligibility and long-term support. Additionally, blended families and cases with distant relatives may benefit from more detailed planning to reduce ambiguity and provide enforceable instructions. In these circumstances, a larger estate planning strategy reduces the risk of litigation and helps ensure that the child’s physical, emotional, and financial needs are met over time.
When significant assets must be managed for the benefit of a minor, a comprehensive plan that includes trusts, guardianship nominations, pour-over wills, and trust funding strategies is beneficial. Trust arrangements can provide ongoing financial management for a guardian to use responsibly, and documents such as irrevocable life insurance trusts or retirement plan trusts may be required to preserve funds for the child. Comprehensive planning ensures that guardians have the necessary legal authority and resources while protecting assets from unintended claims or mismanagement.
A comprehensive guardianship plan gives families peace of mind by aligning guardian nominations with financial and health care provisions so nominated guardians have both the authority and resources to care for a child. This integrated approach minimizes the possibility of court disputes, helps preserve public benefits when needed, and streamlines transitions when responsibility shifts to the nominated caregiver. By coordinating wills, trusts, and directives, families ensure that legal documents work together to reflect parental intent and reduce administrative burdens on caregivers during difficult times.
Comprehensive planning also addresses contingencies such as alternate guardians, funding mechanisms, and specific wishes about education or medical care. Preparing for multiple scenarios reduces the chance of ambiguity and offers the court and caregivers a clear framework to follow. This reduces stress for family members and helps ensure continuity in a child’s life. Overall, a thoughtful, coordinated plan increases the likelihood that your preferences are respected and that a child’s physical, emotional, and financial needs are supported over the long term.
A comprehensive guardianship plan promotes clarity by putting your wishes in writing and encouraging open conversations with nominated guardians and family members. Clear documentation reduces misunderstandings and helps potential caregivers understand expectations around education, religion, and daily routines. Communicating choices in advance gives nominees time to prepare and accept responsibilities, and it gives parents confidence that options have been considered. This clarity often leads to smoother transitions and less emotional strain when arrangements must be implemented.
Including trusts and funding strategies in guardianship planning ensures that a child’s financial needs are met without exposing assets to unnecessary probate or creditor claims. Properly drafted trust provisions allow funds to be managed on behalf of the child while preserving eligibility for government programs when applicable. Designating trustees, naming successor decision makers, and coordinating beneficiary designations give appointed guardians the legal tools they need to care for a minor effectively. These measures reduce administrative delays and support long-term financial stability for the child.
Talk candidly with the people you are considering naming as guardians before listing them in your documents. Open communication helps confirm their willingness, availability, and alignment with your parenting values. It also gives nominees a chance to raise practical considerations such as childcare logistics, relocation possibilities, and financial capacity. Documenting the discussion and obtaining provisional consent can reduce surprises and make it easier for the court and family members to accept the nomination if it becomes necessary. Early conversations also allow nominees to prepare emotionally and practically for potential future responsibilities.
Always name alternate guardians in case your first choice is unwilling or unable to serve. Include brief guidance about the qualities you value in a guardian and any conditions that matter to you, such as proximity or religious upbringing. Contingencies help the court act quickly and in accordance with your preferences, reducing delays in appointing a caregiver. Including alternates also ensures continuity and decreases the likelihood of competing claims among relatives, which can create stress and uncertainty for children during transitions.
Naming a guardian is one of the most important steps parents can take to protect their children’s future. Without a nomination, courts decide guardianship based on available evidence and the child’s best interests, which may not reflect your personal preferences. A nomination provides clear direction and helps ensure that chosen caregivers can step in with legal authority and emotional readiness. It also reduces the risk of contentious disputes among relatives and protects the continuity of a child’s living situation and routine during a difficult time.
In addition to naming a caregiver, guardianship planning connects to financial and health care arrangements that support a child’s well-being. Proper planning can help preserve benefits for children with disabilities, arrange for education and healthcare funding, and designate trustees to manage assets. These measures protect a child’s standard of living and reduce administrative burdens on caregivers. By addressing both caregiver selection and resource management, families can create a robust plan that minimizes disruption and supports long-term stability for their children.
Guardianship nominations are commonly needed when parents have minor children, blended family arrangements, or concerns about future incapacity due to illness or accident. They are also important for parents of children with disabilities who require ongoing care and benefit coordination. Other scenarios include single parents who want clear backup plans, parents who travel frequently or work in high-risk professions, and families with complex asset structures that require coordinated financial plans to support appointed guardians. In all these cases, a formal nomination reduces uncertainty and helps families plan proactively.
Parents with young children should prioritize naming guardians to ensure continuity of care if both parents cannot act. Young children are particularly vulnerable to disruptions, and naming a guardian helps preserve established routines and caregiving relationships. A nomination combined with financial provisions, such as a trust or life insurance arrangement, provides both a caregiver and the resources needed for the child’s upbringing. Regular review and discussion with nominated guardians help confirm that your plan remains practical and acceptable as children grow and family circumstances change.
Families caring for individuals with special needs must plan guardianship nominations carefully to protect eligibility for government benefits and ensure long-term care. Guardianship choices should be coordinated with supplemental needs trusts, appropriate beneficiary designations, and instructions for medical and educational services. This type of planning helps maintain necessary benefits while providing funds for additional support. Clear directions about decision-making and named trustees reduce administrative obstacles and help nominated guardians provide consistent care tailored to the dependent’s unique requirements.
Blended families and situations involving distant relatives often require more detailed planning to prevent disputes and ensure a logical caregiving arrangement. In these cases, naming guardians and alternates, clarifying responsibilities, and coordinating financial arrangements help protect the child’s welfare. Careful documentation provides clarity about how assets should support the child and who should make daily care decisions. Communicating your plan to all relevant family members reduces surprises and increases the likelihood that your preferences will be followed if guardianship becomes necessary.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman represents families throughout Los Angeles County, including Covina, offering personalized guardianship nomination services as part of comprehensive estate planning. We take time to understand family circumstances, identify appropriate nominees, and draft documents that reflect your wishes. Our practice assists with connecting nominations to trusts, wills, and health care directives so that guardians have the legal authority and financial support they need. We emphasize practical solutions and clear communication to make the planning process accessible and reliable for every client.
Families choose the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman for our focus on practical, family-centered planning that addresses both caregiving and financial support. We prepare nominations that are clear and legally sound while remaining mindful of each family’s unique dynamics. Our approach includes reviewing existing documents, coordinating trusts and beneficiary designations, and providing guidance on selecting alternates. We emphasize straightforward explanations and hands-on assistance so families feel confident about their choices and understand how documents will operate when needed.
We help clients integrate guardianship nominations with other estate planning tools such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, advance health care directives, and financial powers of attorney. This coordination ensures that nominated guardians have the necessary resources and authority to meet a child’s needs. We also assist with specific filings and steps that may be necessary to reflect intent, including Heggstad petitions when trust funding issues arise. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and make the implementation of your wishes as seamless as possible for those who will care for your child.
Our practice serves families with straightforward and complex planning needs, from parents of young children to families with special needs dependents. We provide practical advice on candidate selection, contingency planning, and document storage and review. In addition to drafting nominations, we help clients communicate plans to nominated caregivers and ensure that all paperwork is properly executed and accessible. This proactive approach reduces stress for family members and supports timely decision-making when circumstances require it.
Our process begins with a thorough intake and review of your family’s circumstances, followed by tailored drafting of nomination language and coordination with related estate documents. We guide clients through each step, from discussing potential nominees and contingency plans to executing documents and advising on secure storage and distribution of copies. We emphasize plain-language explanations so you understand how each document functions, and we recommend periodic reviews to keep nominations current. Our objective is to make the legal process manageable and to document your wishes clearly so courts and caregivers can act accordingly.
The first step involves an initial meeting where we learn about your family, children, and caregiving priorities. We collect details about potential nominees, family dynamics, financial resources, and any special needs or concerns that should influence planning. During this session we explain how nominations interact with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney and outline available options. This stage helps identify whether a simple nomination in a will is sufficient or whether a more comprehensive trust-based strategy is advisable given your circumstances and long-term goals.
We compile comprehensive information about family members, potential guardians, and alternate nominees, including contact details, residential situations, and caregiving history. Gathering this information early helps us assess practical matters such as proximity to schools, financial capacity, and the nominees’ willingness to serve. It also ensures that nominations name appropriate alternates and address contingencies. This detailed intake reduces the need for revisions later and supports thorough drafting that reflects real-world considerations important to both the court and the family.
We review any existing wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, life insurance policies, and prior legal documents to ensure consistency across your plan. This review identifies gaps, conflicts, or funding issues that could undermine a guardianship nomination or complicate asset access for a guardian. If documents are outdated or inconsistent, we recommend revisions to ensure that financial resources will be available to support a nominated caregiver. This step helps create an integrated plan that aligns decision-making authority with funding and practical needs.
Once information is gathered, we draft guardianship nomination language and any complementary documents such as pour-over wills, trust provisions, or letters of intent. Drafting focuses on clarity and flexibility so the nomination remains effective across various scenarios. We also prepare supporting documents that allocate resources to the guardian and clarify expectations. Proposed drafts are reviewed with you to ensure accuracy and alignment with your wishes before execution, reducing the chance of ambiguity and preparing the nominated guardian for their potential responsibilities.
Drafting involves precise language to name primary and alternate guardians, specify any preferences, and integrate the nomination with your will or trust. We prepare supporting documents such as testamentary directions or letters of intent that provide additional context about your choices, including guidance on education, faith, or healthcare decisions. These supporting documents are not always legally binding but help convey your intentions to a guardian and the court. Careful drafting minimizes ambiguity and strengthens the persuasive value of your stated preferences.
Coordinating estate provisions ensures that nominated guardians have access to funds needed for a child’s care. This step may include setting up trusts, adjusting beneficiary designations, and recommending funding sources like life insurance or retirement plan designations. We evaluate whether trust provisions or trustee appointments are necessary to manage assets responsibly on behalf of the child. Proper funding strategies reduce the likelihood that guardians will face financial hurdles and help provide stable long-term support for the child’s needs.
After drafting, we assist with the formal execution of documents, advise on proper notarization and witness requirements, and recommend secure storage locations. We encourage sharing copies with nominated guardians and trusted family members so they know where to find critical documents if needed. Ongoing review is part of good planning; life events like births, deaths, moves, or changes in financial circumstances may require updates. Periodic reviews ensure that nominations remain current, legally effective, and aligned with your evolving wishes and family situation.
Proper execution is essential to make nominations legally effective. We guide clients through signing, witness, and notarization requirements for wills or other documents under California law. Ensuring that documents meet formalities avoids disputes over validity and increases the likelihood that courts will honor your stated preferences. We also recommend documenting communications with nominated guardians and keeping a list of where originals and copies are stored so that appointed caregivers or family members can access necessary paperwork quickly when needed.
Secure storage and scheduled reviews keep your guardianship plan current and accessible. We advise on safe locations for original documents, provide copies for nominated guardians, and recommend periodic reviews after major life changes. Regular updates can address changes in guardian availability, family dynamics, or financial circumstances. Maintaining an up-to-date plan reduces the risk of inconsistencies and makes it easier for family members and the court to act decisively in the child’s best interests when guardianship is required.
A guardianship nomination is a legal statement naming the person or people you prefer to serve as guardian of a minor child or an incapacitated adult. In California, nominations are commonly placed in a will or a separate estate planning document and can name primary and alternate guardians. While the court decides based on the child’s best interests, it typically gives significant weight to a parent’s clearly stated nomination. Including details such as alternates and preferences about upbringing helps the court understand your intentions and reduces ambiguity. A nomination works alongside your broader estate plan and should be coordinated with trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives to ensure that nominated guardians have access to resources and decision-making authority. Because family circumstances change, nominations should be reviewed periodically and updated as needed. Communicating your choices to potential guardians and providing them with access to key documents helps make the transition smoother if guardianship must be implemented.
You should name alternate guardians to ensure continuity if your primary choice becomes unavailable or unwilling to serve. Alternates provide the court with a backup plan and reduce the likelihood of contested proceedings among relatives. When choosing alternates, consider proximity, the nominee’s family and financial situation, their parenting philosophy, and their willingness to take on long-term responsibility. Selecting people who share your values and can provide a stable environment is critical to protecting the child’s interests. It is beneficial to discuss the possibility with potential alternates in advance so they understand the responsibilities and can make arrangements if needed. Listing multiple alternates and specifying any conditions or priorities clarifies your intentions and helps the court move quickly to appoint a suitable guardian. Periodic review of your choices ensures that alternates remain appropriate as circumstances evolve.
A court will consider your guardianship nomination but is not strictly bound to follow it if there is evidence that appointment would not be in the child’s best interests. Judges assess various factors such as the nominee’s relationship with the child, safety, stability, and the wishes of other family members. A well-drafted, contemporaneous nomination that reflects careful consideration and coordination with other documents increases the likelihood the court will honor your preference. To strengthen the persuasive value of your nomination, coordinate it with supporting documents and, if appropriate, statements from potential guardians indicating their willingness to serve. Clear language, named alternates, and attention to the child’s welfare give the court helpful guidance and reduce disputes that might otherwise delay the appointment process.
Guardianship nominations should be coordinated with wills and trusts to ensure consistency and adequate financial support for the nominated guardian. A nomination in a will names the preferred guardian but the will must be probated before some provisions take effect. Trusts can provide immediate access to funds and ongoing management for a child, reducing the need for court-supervised distribution. Including pour-over wills that direct assets into a trust can create a smoother path to funding a guardian’s responsibilities. When trusts are used, ensure the trustee and guardian roles are distinct and complementary. Trustees manage assets, while guardians handle daily care and personal decisions. Careful drafting and alignment of beneficiary designations, life insurance, and retirement plan arrangements help ensure that resources are available to support the guardian and the child without unintended consequences to benefit eligibility or asset control.
When naming a guardian for a child with special needs, consider how the guardian will manage continuity of care, medical and therapeutic services, and government benefits such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income. Nominations should be paired with special needs planning, including supplemental needs trusts and properly drafted beneficiary designations to avoid jeopardizing public benefits. Choosing a guardian familiar with the child’s needs and willing to coordinate care with medical providers and school services is essential for stable long-term support. Additionally, specify funding mechanisms and trustee arrangements so that resources are available for discretionary needs while preserving benefit eligibility. Clear instructions and documentation about the child’s routines, providers, medications, and educational supports help nominated guardians step into their role effectively. Regular review ensures the plan adapts to the child’s changing needs over time.
Review your guardianship nomination whenever a major life event occurs, such as a marriage, divorce, birth, death in the family, or significant change in health or finances. Even in the absence of major events, a periodic review every few years ensures that nominees remain suitable, alternate guardians are current, and funding mechanisms are aligned with your goals. Regular updates reduce the risk that outdated information will undermine the plan’s effectiveness when it is most needed. During reviews, discuss changes with your nominated guardians and update contact information and supporting documents. Confirm that estate planning documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney remain consistent with your guardianship nomination. Proactive maintenance keeps your plan operational and reduces surprises for family members and the court.
While guardianship nominations are commonly included in wills, they can also be reflected in other estate planning documents and letters of intent. Nominations in wills are testamentary and become effective only after death, while trusts may offer a mechanism to provide funding and management for a child’s needs more quickly. Trusts do not replace the need to nominate a guardian for the child’s personal care, but they complement nominations by ensuring that financial resources are managed for the child’s benefit. Using a trust to hold assets for a child can reduce the need for immediate court involvement to access funds, but the court will still appoint a guardian for personal care matters. Coordinating nominations with trust provisions and naming a trustee who will work cooperatively with the guardian creates a comprehensive plan that addresses both caregiving and financial needs.
Financial planning that accompanies a guardianship nomination should address how day-to-day expenses, education, healthcare, and long-term needs will be funded. Common tools include revocable living trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, retirement plan designations, and life insurance policies to provide liquidity. Establishing a trust with a named trustee can ensure disciplined management of funds and protect resources for the child’s future while allowing the guardian to focus on care rather than financial administration. Consider whether a trust should include specific distributions for milestones such as college or housing, and whether a supplemental needs trust is necessary for a child with disabilities. Coordinating beneficiary designations and trustee appointments with your nomination reduces administrative delays and helps nominated guardians access resources when needed to support the child effectively.
Notify potential guardians about your nomination and provide them with important information so they can make an informed decision. Discuss expectations regarding caregiving style, schooling, religious upbringing, health care preferences, and potential relocation. Providing a letter of intent that outlines daily routines, medical providers, educational records, and other practical details helps nominated guardians prepare for the role and eases the transition for the child. Give nominated guardians copies of key documents or tell them where originals are stored. Confirm their willingness to act as guardian and discuss alternates in case circumstances change. Open communication reduces surprises and increases the likelihood that your nomination will be accepted and implemented smoothly if needed.
Finalizing guardianship after a parent’s death or incapacity typically requires filing appropriate documents with the probate or family court, especially when the nomination is part of a will that must be admitted to probate. If guardianship is needed, the nominated person may petition the court for appointment. The court will evaluate evidence of the child’s best interests, the nominee’s suitability, and any relevant family circumstances before making an appointment. If assets are held in trust or other nonprobate instruments, trustees may be able to access funds for the child’s care without waiting for probate. In many cases, coordinating the guardian’s petition with trust access, insurance claims, and beneficiary designations helps ensure the child receives timely care and necessary resources while the court formalizes guardianship arrangements.
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