Full Guardianship - Starting a Case

A petition for guardianship (full guardian) is filed by the proposed guardian who currently has care and custody of the minor child. A full guardian can be appointed for a minor when one of the situations listed on the petition is met.

Filing Fee

• $175 per child (Non-refundable filing fee)

Forms Required

• Petition for Appointment of Guardian (PDF) (PC651)
• Minor Guardianship Social History (PDF) (PC670)
• Any custody, support, visitation orders entered by a prior court
• Birth Certificate and/or any document establishing paternity
• Notice of Hearing (PDF) (PC562)
• Proof of Service (PDF) (PC564) - file at least 3 days prior to the hearing.
• Copy of Proposed Guardian's Driver's License or State Identification

Upon the filing of a petition, a hearing will be scheduled at least 5 to 6 weeks after the filing of the petition to allow the Department of Human Services to perform an investigation of the proposed guardianship and make a recommendation to the Court as to the appropriateness of the guardianship and proposed guardian.

Service

It is the petitioner's responsibility to ensure that proper and timely service is made on all interested parties. If proper and timely service is not made on all interested persons, your hearing may be adjourned and/or your petition dismissed.

Service for hearings must be completed at least 14 days prior to the hearing date if by mail and at least 7 days prior to the hearing date if served personally.

Filing

It is recommended that the documents be brought to the Probate Court office by the petitioner for filing. Filings may be completed by mail, however, there may be a delay in obtaining a hearing date if your documents are not complete or correct.

Keep copies of all documents filed with the Court for your records and to provide to the interested persons. Copies obtained from the Court are $1 per page.