Guardianship

Overview

Guardianship is a legal arrangement where a court gives someone the authority to make decisions for another person who cannot fully care for themselves. In Arizona, guardianship can apply to minors (children under 18) or adults who are unable to manage their own health, safety, or finances.

When Guardianship May Apply

• Minor Guardianship: When a child’s parents are unable or unwilling to care for them, and another adult steps in to provide a stable home.

• Adult Guardianship: When an adult has a disability, illness, or condition that prevents them from making safe and responsible decisions.

• Temporary Guardianship: In emergency situations where immediate protection or care is needed.

Forms You’ll Need

Depending on the type of guardianship, you may need to file:

• Petition for Appointment of Guardian

• Consent or Waiver of Notice (from parents or interested parties)

• Court Investigator’s Report (for adult guardianship)

• Order Appointing Guardian of a Minor or Adult

(Forms may differ by county—check your local Superior Court for the most current versions.)

Key Considerations for Fathers

• Parental rights: A guardianship over a minor does not permanently terminate a parent’s rights, but it does give the guardian decision-making authority until the court ends the guardianship.

• Alternative to adoption: Guardianship can provide stability without permanently severing the parent-child relationship.

• Adult children with special needs: Guardianship may allow fathers to continue supporting adult children who cannot care for themselves.

• Contesting guardianship: Fathers can contest guardianship petitions if they believe they are able and willing to care for their child.

Resources & Support

• Instructions for Guardianship and Conservatorship of an Adult

  • Training Requirement for Customer(s) Filing Probate and Guardianship Matters

    • Instructions: How to Complete the Forms to Appoint a Guardian and/or Conservator of an Adult

    • Procedures: How to File a Petition for Appointment of Guardian and/or Conservator of an Adult

• Petition for Guardianship and Conservatorship of an Adult Forms

  • Petition for Appointment of Guardianship and/or Conservatorship of an Adult

  • Affidavit of Proposed Guardian and/or Conservator

  • Probate/Guardianship/Conservator Information Sheet

  • Consent and Waiver Regarding Petition for Guardianship and/or Conservatorship of an Adult

  • Guidelines for Healthcare Professional's Report

  • Order of Appointment of Permanent Guardianship and/or Conservatorship of an Adult

  • Letters of Appointment as Permanent Guardian and/or Conservatorship of an Adult and Acceptance of Letters of Appointment

• Minor Conservatorship

  • Order to Conservator of Minor

  • Proof of Restricted Account from Financial Institution

  • Probate Information Form for Guardianship/Conservatorship

  • Notice of Change of Fiduciary's Contact Information

• Restore a Ward's Right to Vote Forms

  • Instructions: How to Complete the Form to Petition to Restore the Ward’s Right to Vote

  • Petition to Restore Ward’s Right to Vote

  • Order to Restore Ward’s Right to Vote

The information offered on this site is made available as a public service and is not intended to take the place of legal advice. If you do not understand something, have trouble filling out any of the forms, or are not sure these forms and instructions apply to your situation, see an attorney for help. Consult a state Law Library or the Legal Aid Resources page for information on free or reduced cost legal aid for more information.

Not all forms may be accepted in all Arizona courts – you should contact the clerk of the court in which you will be filing to confirm the use of a particular form, determine whether any additional forms are required and verify the filing fees. The Arizona Bar Foundation assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on their contents.