Phone: 805.720.3411 Email: Info@DeveyLaw.comNomination of Guardian for Minor Children
Choosing who would care for your children if something happened to you is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. Under California Probate Code §§ 1500–1502, you may nominate a guardian for your minor children in your Last Will and Testament or in another written instrument signed by you. At Devey Law, we recommend including the nomination in both your will and a standalone document for added clarity and legal reinforcement. This ensures that your wishes are clearly stated and recognized by the court in the event of your incapacity or death. As part of a comprehensive and fully integrated estate plan, we help you document this decision with care—giving you peace of mind that your children will be raised by someone you trust.
Plan for Your Childs Future —No Matter What That Future HoldsWhat Is A Nomination of
Guardian for Minor Children?
A Nomination of Guardian for Minor Children is a legal document that allows parents to name the individual(s) they want to care for their children if they become incapacitated or pass away. Under California Probate Code §§ 1500–1502, this nomination can be made in a Last Will and Testament or in a separate written instrument, such as a standalone guardian designation. The court will strongly consider your nomination when determining guardianship, so having it properly documented is essential.
At Devey Law, we recommend including your nomination both in your will and in a separate document to ensure clarity and avoid any potential legal ambiguity. We also help coordinate this designation as part of your comprehensive, fully integrated estate plan, so all of your legal documents work together seamlessly to protect your family.
Our Guardianship Nomination Services
At Devey Law, we offer personalized legal services to help you formally nominate a guardian for your minor children—one of the most important protections you can include in your estate plan. We ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally recognized, whether through your will, a standalone instrument, or both. Our approach integrates this designation into your broader estate plan to avoid confusion and provide lasting peace of mind.
Our services include:
Standalone Nomination of Guardian Document
A legally valid written instrument under California Probate Code §§ 1500–1502, used to name a guardian outside of your will.Guardian Provisions in Your Will
Inclusion of guardian nominations in your Last Will and Testament to reinforce your wishes and meet statutory requirements.Primary & Alternate Guardian Designations
Guidance on naming both a first-choice and back-up guardian to ensure flexibility and legal clarity.Estate Plan Coordination
Integration of your guardian nomination with your trust, powers of attorney, and health care documents for consistency across your estate plan.Legal Counseling on Guardian Selection
Strategic guidance on choosing appropriate guardians based on family dynamics, values, and long-term stability.Document Review & Updates
Ongoing support to update your nomination as your family grows or life circumstances change.
Why Choose Devey Law?
At Devey Law, we understand how personal this decision is—and how important it is to get it right. We help California parents legally document their wishes with compassion, clarity, and precision, so their children are protected no matter what the future brings.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are serving as a trustee or need assistance with trust administration, we invite you to contact Devey Law. Let us partner with you to ensure that the trust is administered efficiently, accurately, and with the utmost care. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you.