Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-00571/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-00571-4/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 864
Nature of Suit: Social Security - SSID Title XVI
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (SSID)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ELIZABETH ROSE SMITH,

Plaintiff,

v.

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,

Defendant.

Case No. 1:19-cv-00571-SAB

ORDER APPOINTING SHANE E. SMITH 

GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR PLAINTIFF 

ELIZABETH ROSE SMITH

(ECF No. 19)

On May 1, 2019, a complaint was filed by Elizabeth Rose Smith (“Plaintiff”) seeking 

review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security. (ECF No. 1.) Upon review of 

the administrative record, the Court found the record indicated the Plaintiff was a minor. 

Therefore, on February 28, 2020, the Court ordered Plaintiff to either file evidence that a 

representative had been appointed under state law, or file a motion for appointment of a guardian 

ad litem. (ECF No. 18.) On March 13, 2020, Plaintiff filed a petition to appoint Shane E. Smith 

as guardian ad litem for Plaintiff. (ECF No. 19.) 

Pursuant to Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a representative of a minor 

or incompetent person may sue or defend on the minor or incompetent person’s behalf. Fed. R. 

Civ. P. 17(c). This requires the Court to take whatever measures it deems appropriate to protect 

the interests of the individual during the litigation. United States v. 30.64 Acres of Land, More 

or Less, Situated in Klickitat Cty., State of Wash., 795 F.2d 796, 805 (9th Cir. 1986). The 

Case 1:19-cv-00571-SAB Document 20 Filed 03/13/20 Page 1 of 2
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appointment of the guardian ad litem is more than a mere formality. Id. “A guardian ad litem is 

authorized to act on behalf of his ward and may make all appropriate decisions in the course of 

specific litigation.” Id. A guardian ad litem need not possess any special qualifications, but he 

must “be truly dedicated to the best interests of the person on whose behalf he seeks to litigate.” 

AT&T Mobility, LLC v. Yeager, 143 F.Supp.3d 1042, 9 (E.D. Cal. 2015). This means that the 

guardian ad litem cannot face an impermissible conflict of interest with the ward and courts 

consider the candidate’s “experience, objectivity, and expertise” or previous relationship with the 

ward. Id. (citations omitted). 

“[W]hen a parent brings an action on behalf of a child, and it is evident that the interests 

of each are the same, no need exists for someone other than the parent to represent the child’s 

interests under Rule 17(c).” Gonzalez v. Reno, 86 F.Supp.2d 1167, 1185 (S.D. Fla.), aff’d sub 

nom. Gonzalez v. Reno, 212 F.3d 1338 (11th Cir. 2000). While a parent is generally appointed 

as a guardian ad litem, there are situations where the best interests of the minor and the interests 

of the parent conflict. Anthem Life Ins. Co. v. Olguin, No. 1:06-CV-01165 AWINEW, 2007 

WL 1390672, at *2 (E.D. Cal. May 9, 2007). Therefore, a parent is not entitled as a matter of 

right to act as guardian ad litem for the child. Id., at *2. 

The Court has considered the petition and declaration of Shane E. Smith for appointment 

as guardian ad litem for Elizabeth Rose Smith, Plaintiff in this action, and finds that no conflict 

that would preclude him serving as a guardian ad litem for Plaintiff. (ECF No. 19.) The filing 

indicates Plaintiff is the daughter of Shane E. Smith, is in his custody, and lives with him. (Id.) 

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that SHANE E. SMITH is appointed guardian 

ad litem for minor Plaintiff Elizabeth Rose Smith. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: March 13, 2020 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:19-cv-00571-SAB Document 20 Filed 03/13/20 Page 2 of 2