LA judge orders trial to determine guardianship for children of TV producer and slain wife

Judge orders trial over children of TV producer

LOS ANGELES — A judge on Thursday ordered a trial to determine whether the sister or the in-laws of a “Survivor” producer’s wife who was found slain in Mexico will be named permanent guardian of the couple’s two young children.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff extended temporary guardianship of the children to David and Juanita Beresford-Redman, the parents of TV producer Bruce Beresford-Redman.

The body of his late wife, Monica Beresford-Redman, was discovered in April at a Cancun resort. Carla Burgos, her sister, is also seeking guardianship of the children, claiming their paternal grandparents are unfit.

Bruce Beresford-Redman, a former “Survivor” producer and “Pimp My Ride” creator, has not been charged in the case but has been barred from leaving Mexico until the death investigation is complete. His passport has been confiscated.

Beckloff said the temporary guardianship arrangement will remain in place until a trial on permanent guardianship is held. A trial date is expected to be set June 17. He also granted visitation rights to the kids’ maternal family.

“It’s an incredibly difficult, emotional situation,” said Beckloff, emphasizing that the children’s stability and welfare were paramount. “Everyone needs to take a step back.”

Burgos attended Thursday’s hearing flanked by her attorney, Patricia Phillips, and Burgos’ and Monica Beresford-Redman’s father, who traveled from Brazil.

“The grandparents are presenting some problems for the children,” said Phillips, later saying, “David is somewhat of an angry man.”

Phillips also cited e-mails from Juanita Beresford-Redman that stated she had medical problems.

Christina Royce, attorney for David and Juanita Beresford-Redman, denied the claims, arguing that the children’s father had the best interest of the children in mind in nominating his parents as guardians while he was detained in Mexico.

“I think the tie breaker should be the father’s wishes,” Royce said.

Beckloff agreed. He granted Burgos and her family visitation rights to see the two children unsupervised from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays, and dinner every Tuesday night.

After hearing concerns from Phillips that the children would be taken out of state, Beckloff ordered that they not be removed outside seven Southern California counties. He also granted the paternal grandparents the option of retaining the children’s nanny. The judge asked attorneys for the two parties to discuss whether to keep a current therapist for the children or choose a new one.