Court-Ordered Child Guardianships
Serve the Child's Relatives
When you file paperwork asking to be named a guardian, you have to serve a copy of the Petition and the Citation on many of the child's relatives. The court does not serve these documents for you; you are required to make sure the right people are properly served or your hearing will be cancelled. Visit this section to find out how to serve the relatives.
The Child Guardianship Hearing
After filing and serving the guardianship papers, the proposed guardians and the children must participate in a hearing with a judge. The parents and other relatives can also participate. The judge will then decide whether to grant the guardianship. Read this section to find out the things you must do before the guardianship hearing and what to expect at the hearing.
After the Child Guardianship Hearing
After the guardianship has been approved by the judge, there are several more forms that the guardians must complete and file. Some forms are required immediately, and some will be filed in the future throughout the life of the guardianship case. Read on for information about what must be filed and when.
