Skip to content
LitigationForms
JV-350-INFOOptional

Information on Juvenile Court Guardianship

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2023

This form provides information about what a legal guardianship is in juvenile court. It explains who can be appointed as a guardian, the differences between a guardian and other caregivers, and the steps involved in asking the court to appoint someone as a guardian.

The court describes it as: Explains who can become a guardian, how to ask to become a guardian, the difference between a foster parent, a guardian, and an adoptive parent, and explains a guardian's legal rights, duties and possible financial help. This usually happens at the end of a child's juvenile case, if a child cannot return home or become adopted, a child can be placed into a guardianship.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This information is generally used when a child in juvenile court cannot safely return home or cannot be adopted, and the court may consider appointing a guardian.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What is a guardianship according to this form?
A guardianship is a court-ordered relationship where someone other than the child's parent gets legal and physical custody. This person can make decisions about the child's care, education, and medical treatment.
Who can be appointed as a guardian?
The guardian must be an adult who is 18 or older, is not the child's parent, and must be approved by the county child welfare agency or juvenile probation department.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2023.

Related forms

  • JV-180

    Request to Change Court Order

    This form is used to ask the court to change an existing order, dismiss a case, end reunification services, or recognize a relationship with a sibling. It asks for details about the child, the current situation, and why a change is needed.

    MandatoryFillable PDF1 translation
  • JV-285

    Relative Information

    This form allows a relative of a child who has been removed from home to give written information to the court about that child. It asks for details about the child's health, education, and other helpful information.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation
  • JV-290

    Caregiver Information Form

    This form allows the child's current caregiver to give written information to the court about the child. It asks for details about the child's living situation, health, education, and social life.

    OptionalFillable PDF3 translations
  • JV-330

    Letters of Guardianship (Juvenile)

    This form is a court document that officially states the court's decision to make a specific person the legal guardian of a child in foster care. It records the guardian's appointment and the powers granted to them.

    MandatoryFillable PDF4 translations
  • EFS-005-JV

    Electronic Service: Consent, Withdrawal of Consent, Address Change (Juvenile)

    This form lets you tell the court if you agree to get case papers electronically, if you want to change your electronic address, or if you no longer want electronic papers. It is used in juvenile cases to manage how you receive official court notices.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation
  • ICWA-005-INFO

    Information Sheet on Indian Child Inquiry Attachment and Notice of Child Custody Proceeding for Indian Child

    This is an information sheet that explains how to fill out forms related to the Indian Child Welfare Act. It guides the user on gathering family background information and notifying the court and tribes if there is a reason to believe a child may be an Indian child.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation
  • ICWA-020

    Parental Notification of Indian Status

    This form asks a parent, Indian custodian, or guardian to provide information about the child's connection to any Indian tribe. It asks about the person's own tribal status, the child's potential tribal status, and the tribal status of the child's ancestors.

    MandatoryFillable PDF1 translation
  • ICWA-030(A)

    Attachment to Notice of Child Custody Proceeding for Indian Child

    This form is an attachment used with the ICWA-030 Notice of Child Custody Proceeding for Indian Child. It provides extra space to list the names, addresses, and phone numbers of tribes or agencies that have received the notice.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation