Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_06-cv-02081/USCOURTS-casd-3_06-cv-02081-0/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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1 05cv1331 BTM(JMA)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

CONSTANCE V. MELKONIAN,

Plaintiff,

CASE NO. 06cv2081 BTM(BLM)

ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO

PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

AND DISMISSING CASE WITH

LEAVE TO AMEND

vs.

U.S. GOVERNMENT, SECRETARY OF

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,

Defendants.

On September 25, 2006, Plaintiff commenced this action. It appears that Plaintiff is

seeking judicial review of the Social Security Administration’s denial of her application for

Supplemental Security Income benefits. Plaintiff has also filed a motion to proceed in forma

pauperis under 28 U.S.C. § 1915. 

Having considered Plaintiff’s supporting declaration, the Court determines that Plaintiff

has made a sufficient showing of inability to pay the filing fees and court costs. Accordingly,

IT IS ORDERED THAT:

(1) Plaintiff’s request to proceed in forma pauperis is GRANTED. Plaintiff is

permitted to prosecute this action without being required to prepay fees or

costs and without being required to post security; and

(2) The Clerk of Court shall file Plaintiff’s Complaint without prepayment of the

filing fee.

Case 3:06-cv-02081-JLS-BLM Document 3 Filed 10/04/06 Page 1 of 2
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2 05cv1331 BTM(JMA)

However, the Court also DISMISSES the Complaint for failing to name the proper

defendant. The proper defendant is Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security.

The Social Security Administration is no longer part of the Health and Human Services

Administration. Plaintiff may file an amended complaint naming the proper defendant on or

before October 30, 2006. Failure to do so will result in the termination of this case. 

Plaintiff’s father, Garo Melkonian, states that he is the “authorized representative” of

Plaintiff and includes his signature on the Complaint. However, a non-attorney has no

authority to appear as an attorney for others. C.E. Pope Equity Trust v. United States, 818

F.2d 696, 697 (9th Cir. 1987). It appears that Plaintiff is no longer a minor and therefore

does not need to proceed via a guardian ad litem unless she is incompetent. If Mr.

Melkonian contends that Plaintiff is incompetent and seeks to be appointed as her guardian

ad litem, he may file a motion for such relief. Otherwise, Plaintiff can proceed pro se in her

own name. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: October 4, 2006

Hon. Barry Ted Moskowitz

United States District Judge

Case 3:06-cv-02081-JLS-BLM Document 3 Filed 10/04/06 Page 2 of 2