Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_15-cv-00246/USCOURTS-caed-1_15-cv-00246-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 446
Nature of Suit: Americans with Disabilities Act - Other
Cause of Action: 20:1400 Civil Rights of Handicapped Child

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Plaintiff A.V. initiated this action by filing a complaint and motion to proceed in forma 

pauperis. (Docs. 1-2.) The Court may authorize the commencement of an action without prepayment 

of fees “but a person who submits an affidavit that includes a statement of all assets such person . . . 

possesses [and] that the person is unable to pay such fees or give security therefor.” 28 U.S.C. § 

1915(a). The Court has reviewed the motion and finds Plaintiff satisfies the requirements of 28 U.S.C. 

§ 1915(a). 

Importantly, however, Plaintiff is a child. The capacity of a litigant is determined by “the law 

of the state where the court is located.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 17(b). Under California law, a child “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 child cannot maintain an action on his own, but may appear as a litigant if 

represented by a guardian ad litem. Fed. R. Civ. P. 17(c). The Local Rules instruct:

A.V.,

 Plaintiff,

v.

PANAMA-BUENA VISTA UNION SCHOOL 

DISTRICT,

Defendant.

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Case No.: 1:15-cv-00246 - --- - JLT

ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO 

PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

ORDER TO PLAINTIFF TO SHOW CAUSE 

WHY THE ACTION SHOULD NOT BE 

DISMISSED

Case 1:15-cv-00246-MCE-JLT Document 4 Filed 02/24/15 Page 1 of 2
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Upon commencement of an action or upon initial appearance in defense of an action by 

or on behalf of a minor . . . the attorney representing the minor...shall present (1) 

appropriate evidence of a representative for the minor or incompetent person under 

state law or (2) a motion for the appointment of a guardian ad litem by the Court.

Local Rule 202(a). Here, although Concepcion Varela is identified as Plaintiff’s guardian ad litem in 

the caption of the complaint, it is unclear whether she was previously appointed as his guardian ad 

litem. Further, no motion has been filed with the court for the appointment of a guardian. Thus, it 

appears Plaintiff lacks the capacity to prosecute this action. 

Based upon for the foregoing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. Plaintiff’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis is GRANTED; and

2. Plaintiff SHALL show cause within twenty-one days why the action should not be 

dismissed for a lack of capacity to sue or, in the alternative, to file a petition for the 

appointment of a guardian ad litem.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 24, 2015 /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:15-cv-00246-MCE-JLT Document 4 Filed 02/24/15 Page 2 of 2