Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01634/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01634-2/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Civil Rights Act

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

“A minor . . . who does not have a duly appointed representative may sue by a next friend or by 

a guardian ad litem.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 17(c)(2). In addition, a court “must appoint a guardian ad litem -

or issue another appropriate order - to protect a minor or incompetent person who is unrepresented in 

an action.” Id. 

The law of the state of California governs the ability of the minor child, R. M. L., to bring suit. 

See Fed. R. Civ. P. 17(b). Pursuant to California law, a minor may bring suit as long as a guardian 

conducts the proceedings. Cal. Fam. Code §§ 6502, 6601. In determining whether to appoint a 

particular guardian ad litem, the Court must consider whether the minor and the guardian have 

divergent interests. Cal. Code Civ. P. § 372(b)(1). 

Here, the child’s mother, Christina Garcia, seeks to be appointed as the guardian ad litem for the 

minor child, R. M. L.. (Doc. 36.) The Complaint does not reveal any adverse interests between Ms.

Garcia and the child. Therefore, Ms. Garcia’s appointment as guardian ad litem for her son is 

ADRIANA LEDESMA, et al.,

 Plaintiffs,

v.

COUNTY OF KERN, et al.,

Defendants.

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Case No.: 1:14-cv-01634 - LJO - JLT

ORDER GRANTING THE MOTION TO APPOINT 

CHRISTINA GARCIA AS THE GUARDIAN AD 

LITEM FOR MINOR PLAINTIFF R.M.L.

(Doc. 36)

Case 1:14-cv-01634-DAD-JLT Document 38 Filed 06/19/15 Page 1 of 2
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appropriate. See Burke v. Smith, 252 F.3d 1260, 1264 (11th Cir. 2001) (“Generally, when a minor is 

represented by a parent who is a party to the lawsuit and who has the same interests as the child there is 

no inherent conflict of interest.”); see also Anthem Life Ins. Co. v. Olguin, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 

37669, at *7 (E.D. Cal. May 9, 2007) (observing “[a] parent is generally appointed guardian ad litem”).

Therefore, the Court is acting within its discretion to approve the appointment of Ms. Palmer as the 

guardian ad litem. See United States v. 30.64 Acres of Land, etc., 795 F.2d 796, 804 (9th Cir. 1986)

Based upon the foregoing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: 

1. The motion for appointment of Christina Garcia as guardian ad litem for Plaintiff 

R.M.L. (Doc. 36) is GRANTED; and 

2. Christina Garcia is APPOINTED to act as guardian ad litem for Plaintiff R.M.L., and is 

authorized to prosecute this action on his behalf.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: June 19, 2015 /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:14-cv-01634-DAD-JLT Document 38 Filed 06/19/15 Page 2 of 2