What Is Temporary Guardianship in California and How Long Does It Last?
- Linda Varga
- Jul 25
- 3 min read

📌 Quick Answer: Temporary guardianship** in California is a short-term legal arrangement where someone is appointed to care for a minor child when the parents are unavailable. It typically lasts up to 30 days, but can be extended by the court if necessary.
Whether due to an emergency, illness, or travel, there may be times when a child’s parents are temporarily unable to care for them. In these situations, temporary guardianship in California allows another trusted adult to step in with legal authority to make decisions for the child. But how does temporary guardianship work—and how long does it last?
At Moravec, Varga & Mooney, we assist families in securing both temporary and permanent guardianships to protect children’s welfare and provide legal clarity.
👶 What Is Temporary Guardianship?
Temporary guardianship is a court-ordered arrangement that gives someone (the guardian) legal authority to care for a child when the child’s parent or guardian is temporarily unavailable or incapacitated.
It allows the guardian to:
Make medical and educational decisions
Enroll the child in school
Access health records
Provide housing, food, and care
Temporary guardianship is often used in emergencies, such as:
A parent being hospitalized or incarcerated
Sudden travel or military deployment
Legal custody proceedings where immediate protection is needed
✅ Note: Unlike informal caregiving, court-ordered temporary guardianship gives the guardian recognized legal authority under California law.
📆 How Long Does Temporary Guardianship Last in California?
In California probate court, temporary guardianship typically lasts up to 30 days from the date of appointment. However:
It may be extended by the court for an additional 30 days (total of 60 days) under California Probate Code § 2257.
If the petition for general (permanent) guardianship is still pending, the court may allow the temporary guardianship to continue until the permanent hearing is held.
The exact length depends on the urgency of the case and the judge’s discretion. The court is required to act in the child’s best interest at all times.
📝 How to Obtain Temporary Guardianship
To be appointed as a temporary guardian, you must:
File a Petition for Temporary Guardianship (Form GC-110) in probate court
Provide notice to certain relatives (unless waived due to emergency)
Attend a court hearing, where a judge reviews the request
If approved, receive Letters of Temporary Guardianship (Form GC-150) granting legal authority
In urgent cases, the court may waive notice and issue an emergency guardianship order the same day.
⛔ What Are the Limitations of Temporary Guardianship?
It does not terminate parental rights
It is not intended for long-term care
It must be converted to a general guardianship if longer care is needed
It may be challenged by parents or relatives if circumstances change
⚖️ Alternatives to Court-Appointed Temporary Guardianship
If you want to give someone temporary care authority without court involvement, consider using a:
Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit (for school and medical decisions)
Power of Attorney for Minor Child (limited parental authority)
These options do not provide full legal guardianship, but may work for short-term, informal arrangements.
👨👩⚖️ Final Thoughts
Temporary guardianship in California provides urgent, short-term legal protection for minors when parents are unavailable. It typically lasts up to 30 days, extendable by court order. Whether you're a grandparent, aunt, or close family friend, acting through the court gives you the authority needed to protect and care for the child.
At Moravec, Varga & Mooney, we guide families through the guardianship process—temporary or permanent—ensuring legal compliance and peace of mind.
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