Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_12-cv-00022/USCOURTS-caed-1_12-cv-00022-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 863
Nature of Suit: Social Security - DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (SSID)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Plaintiff seeks judicial review of the administrative decision denying his claim for Social 

Security benefits. However, there are indications in the record that Plaintiff is a minor who is not 

represented by a guardian ad litem.

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 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 his own. However, a minor may appear as a litigant if represented by a guardian 

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

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.

L.H., Jr., 

 Plaintiff,

v.

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,

Defendant.

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Case No.: 1:12-cv-00022 - JLT

ORDER TO PLAINTIFF TO SHOW CAUSE WHY 

THE ACTION SHOULD NOT BE DISMISSED

Case 1:12-cv-00022-JLT Document 11 Filed 05/02/12 Page 1 of 2
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Local Rule 202(a). Here, Plaintiff’s counsel has not provided evidence that Plaintiff has a 

representative, and no motion has been filed with the court for the appointment of a guardian. 

Therefore, it appears Plaintiff lacks the capacity to prosecute this action. 

Accordingly, Plaintiff is ORDERED to show cause within 21 days why the action should not 

be dismissed for Plaintiff’s lack of capacity , or in the alternative, to file a motion for the appointment 

of a guardian ad litem.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: May 2, 2012 /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE DEAC_Signature-END:

9j7khijed

Case 1:12-cv-00022-JLT Document 11 Filed 05/02/12 Page 2 of 2