Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01634/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01634-4/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 determines whether a guardian ad litem may be 

appointed in this matter. 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, Raquel Sierra clarifies she is the mother of the child, M.L. and that she seeks to act as the 

guardian ad litem in this proceeding. (Doc. 40 at 3) The complaint does not reveal any adverse 

interests between Ms. Sierra and the child and Ms. Sierra attests that she has no adverse interests. Id.

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 

RAQUEL SIERRA AS THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM 

FOR MINOR PLAINTIFF M.L.

(Doc. 35)

Case 1:14-cv-01634-DAD-JLT Document 41 Filed 06/22/15 Page 1 of 2
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As a result, it appears, Ms. Sierra’s appointment as guardian ad litem for her child is 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. Sierra 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 Raquel Sierra as guardian ad litem for Plaintiff M.L. 

(Doc. 35) is GRANTED; and 

2. Raquel Sierra is APPOINTED to act as guardian ad litem for Plaintiff M.L., and is 

authorized to prosecute this action on the child’s behalf.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: June 22, 2015 /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:14-cv-01634-DAD-JLT Document 41 Filed 06/22/15 Page 2 of 2