Petition for Termination of Guardianship; Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian
CASE NUMBER: CVPG19-0030230 Disclosure Re: guardianship cases involving Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency-Judge Wood discloses that her step-daughter, Erinn Watts, is the Administrative Branch Director of the Health and Human Services Agency. In that position, Judge Wood’s step-daughter does not have any involvement in the investigation, management, prosecution or defense of guardianship cases. However, the Court makes this disclosure of an employment relationship between an investigating agency and the Court’s first degree relative as required by California Code of Judicial Ethics.
This matter is on calendar for further proceedings on a Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian of the Persons filed by the minors’ uncle, Ridge Gigax. Letters of Temporary Guardianship were issued on March 26, 2026, and are set to expire today unless further extended. The current Guardian is Patricial Schoepflin, who has passed away. This matter is also on calendar for further proceedings on a Petition for Termination of Guardianship filed by the mother, Falon Gigax.
Petition for Termination. A new Notice of Hearing has not been filed and served for today’s date. Based on the declaration filed July 22, 2206, the Court dispenses with notice to the father of Alden and paternal grandparents of Alden. There is no proof of service of the Notice of Hearing and Petition for the temporary guardian, minor Alden, father of Cian, maternal grandfather, or paternal grandparents of Cian. Insufficient information has been provided to permit the Court to dispense with notice to these parties. All parties may be served by mail. The Court notes the declaration filed on July 22, 2026, which indicates service for the temporary guardian, father of Cian, paternal grandmother of Cian, and attorney for the minors was performed. Proof of service for these individuals is required to be filed.
Gigax Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian. A new Notice of Hearing has not been filed and served for today’s date. There is no proof of service of the Notice of Hearing and Petition for the paternal grandparents of Alden or paternal grandparents of Cian and insufficient information has been provided to permit the Court to dispense with notice to these parties. The Court has reviewed the Court Investigator’s report filed on April 21, 2026, which recommends granting the Petition. The mother previously filed an objection. The Court notes Mr. Gigax submitted a Request for Dismissal of his Petition on July 6, 2026. As the prior guardian is deceased and Mr. Gigax was appointed the temporary guardian, the Court will not vacate the temporary orders until which time the Court has sufficient information to determine placement of the minors which is in the minors’ best interest.
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The Court notes a competing Petition for Appointment of a Successor Guardian for Cian Justinger only was filed by Jason Justinger and is currently set for hearing on August 10, 2026. Mr. Justinger requested temporary orders, however they were denied pending hearing in light of the Petitioner’s out-of-state residence. The Court Investigator’s report has not yet been received regarding Mr. Justinger’s Petition.
This matter is continued to Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 42 for further proceedings on the Petitions. Mr. Gigax will remain the Temporary Guardian until further order of the Court. Notice is preserved. No appearance is necessary on today’s calendar.
GUARDIANSHIP OF TATUM LETTS