Moving with a child if you're a guardian

If you plan to move within California with the child, you need to give written notice to the court and others both before and after you move. If you want to move outside of California with the child, you must get the court's permission before you move.

Guardians can move with the child within California but need to give written notice

Guardians must mail the child's parents and others written notice both before and after they move. Then, they must file the notices with the court along with proof they mailed the notices. There is a court form for pre-move notice and a separate form for post-move notice. Each form includes a proof of mailing on the back.

At least 15 days before you move:

Mail a Pre-Move Notice of Proposed Change of Personal Residence of Ward (form GC-079) to

  • The child (if 12 or older)
  • The child's parents
  • Anyone who had legal custody of the child when you filed the Petition for guardianship
  • Anyone else who was nominated (but not appointed) to be the child's guardian
  • The guardian of the child's estate (if they have one)

Once you've mailed the Pre-Move Notice, fill out and sign the Proof of Mailing on page 2 of the Pre-Move Notice. Make a copy and file the original and copy with the court. The clerk will stamp and give you back the copy for your records.

Within 30 days after you move

Mail a Post-Move Notice of Change of Residence of Ward (form GC-080) to the same people (except the child) you mailed the Pre-Move Notice

Once you've mailed the Post Move Notice, fill out and sign the Proof of Mailing on page 2 of the Post Move Notice. Make a copy and file the original and copy with the court. The clerk will stamp and give you back the copy for your records.

Guardians need court permission to move out of California with the child 

If you want to move out of state with the child, you must get court permission. If the judge decides you can move out of state, you will need to set up a legal guardianship where you move. Get information about how to set up a guardianship where you plan to move to find out what's required. You can contact the court, a legal aid agency, or an attorney in the area.

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