GUARDIANSHIP OF MADDISON CHAPMAN-JAMES

GUARDIANSHIP OF MADDISON CHAPMAN-JAMES CASE NUMBER: CVPG18-0029612 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 the Petition to Remove Guardian and Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian of the Person. The Petitions were filed by the minor’s aunt, Amanda Cossairt. Letters of Temporary Guardianship issued to Ms. Cossairt on July 7, 2025, and are set to expire today unless further extended. The current Guardian is Shannon Schottel.

The Court previously found the Petition to Remove Guardian has been properly noticed. A new Notice of Hearing has not been filed and served for today’s date. There is still no valid proof of service of the Notice of Hearing and Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian of the Person for the father. The father must be personally served in order to move forward on the Petition. Prob. Code § 1511(b). Petitioner is encouraged to seek assistance from the Self-Help Center on the third floor of the courthouse, room 320, regarding personal service on the father. Alternatively, the father can sign a consent and waiver of notice (GC-211, section 4), in lieu of being served.

The Court has reviewed the Court Investigator’s report filed on May 23, 2025, which recommends granting the Petition. ICWA notification has been properly given, and no tribe has requested to intervene in this matter.

The matter is continued to Monday, June 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 42 for further proceedings on the Petition to Remove Guardian, Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian of the Person. The Temporary Guardianship is ORDERED to remain in effect until the continued hearing date. Petitioner is required to file and serve a new Notice of Hearing for the continued hearing date, along with a copy of the Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian, on the father at least fifteen days in advance of the next hearing. Warning: Failure to properly effect service or provide adequate basis to dispense with service as to the necessary parties will result in denial of the Petition and a referral to Children’s Services at the next hearing. Notice is preserved.

This matter is also on calendar for confirmation of counsel. The mother previously filed an objection. Conflict counsel has been appointed for the minor. An appearance is necessary on today’s calendar to confirm counsel for the minor.