Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01634/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01634-3/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

M. L. seeks to have Raquel Sierra appointed as her guardian ad litem. (Doc. 35.) Under 

California law, a minor “shall appear either by a guardian or conservator of the estate or by a guardian 

ad litem appointed by the court in which the action or proceeding is pending, or by the judge in each 

case.” Cal. Code of Civ. P. § 372. Consequently, a minor cannot maintain an action on her own, but 

may appear as a litigant if represented by a guardian ad litem. Fed. R. Civ. P. 17(c). 

“A court has broad discretion in ruling on a guardian ad litem application.” Williams v. Superior 

Court of San Diego, 147 Cal. App. 4th 36, 47 (2007) (citing In re Emily R., 80 Cal. App. 4th 1344, 

1356 (2000)). When determining whether to appoint a particular guardian ad litem, the court must 

consider whether the minor and guardian have divergent interests. Cal. Code Civ. P. § 372(b)(1); see 

also Williams, 147 Cal. App. 4th at 38 (explaining the court must select a guardian ad litem who does 

not have conflicting interests with the minor and who will assist the court by acting in the best interests 

of the child).

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 DIRECTING RAQUEL SIERRA TO FILE A 

SUPPLEMENTAL DECLARATION IN SUPPORT 

OF HER PETITION TO BE APPOINTED 

GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR PLAINTIFF M.L.

Case 1:14-cv-01634-DAD-JLT Document 39 Filed 06/19/15 Page 1 of 2
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Here, Raquel Sierra asserts that she “consent[s] to act as a guardian ad litem for the minor 

Petitioner.” (Doc. 35 at 3.) However, there is no information regarding Ms. Sierra’s relationship to the 

child. For example, the Court does not know if Ms. Sierra is a professional fiduciary or whether she 

has a familial relationship or otherwise, with the child. Though Ms. Sierra indicates she is willing to 

take on the role, she makes no showing that she is willing to act in the best interests of M.L. and to 

promote those interests regardless of whether they conflict with other interests, including her own or 

those of the other parties in this action. She does not indicate whether she expects to be paid a fee for 

taking on this role or, if she does, whether she expects payment regardless of the outcome of the matter. 

Thus, the Court is unable to determine whether Ms. Sierra has actual or potential conflicts with the 

interests of M.L. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. Within seven days of the date of service of this order, Ms. Sierra SHALL file a 

supplemental declaration in support of the motion to be appointed as guardian ad litem 

that explains whether she has any conflicts with M.L., and setting forth sufficient 

information for the Court to determine that Ms. Sierra will act in the best interests of 

M.L.; and

2. After the Court receives the supplemental declaration, the Court will resume 

consideration of the motion to appoint a guardian ad litem for M.L.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

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

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:14-cv-01634-DAD-JLT Document 39 Filed 06/19/15 Page 2 of 2