A Dixon County judge granted Amber Smith’s petition to be appointed guardian of the estate of her two minor children so the family can access life‑insurance proceeds following the death of their father.

Counsel told the court the 2018 final divorce decree required Mr. Jason David Perez to maintain a life‑insurance policy of at least $50,000 naming the children as irrevocable, primary beneficiaries and that Prudential Life Insurance is withholding proceeds pending an appointment of a guardian. Amber Smith testified she is the children’s mother and sole provider and said the family needs access to the funds to cover the children’s expenses.

The court asked whether the petitioner requested waivers of bond and a guardian ad litem; Smith said she did, and the judge found that, under the circumstances, she is the appropriate person to serve as the guardian. The transcript records the judge saying the request would be granted. Counsel indicated they will submit a proposed property management plan to the court on the December docket date to propose how proceeds will be handled (the court set a future date for submission of management documents and entry of the formal order).

The judge accepted counsel’s direction to prepare a formal order and signed the guardianship grant on the docket. The court also accepted counsel’s affidavit of attorney’s fees as part of the record.