Guardianship

  1. What is limited guardianship?
  2. What parental rights and responsibilities does the parent have with limited guardianship?
  3. How important is the placement plan?
  4. What are the advantages of a limited guardianship?
  5. What can’t a limited guardian do?
  6. What is full guardianship?
  7. What are a full guardian’s responsibilities?
  8. When is a full guardian not responsible?
  9. What else do I need to know?
  10. What are the primary differences of a full and a limited guardianship?
  11. How is a guardianship terminated?
  12. What if I have other questions or need help understanding and / or filling out the forms?
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General Directions for Filing Paperwork

  • Pick up a Guardianship packet from Probate Court on the 5th floor of the Hall of Justice.
  • Return completed papers to Probate Court. If it is determined this is a Family Court case, you will be referred to Circuit Court Records on the 6th floor to turn in the paperwork and to pay the filing fee of $160.
  • You will be notified by letter, within 10 days, of your hearing date. Using this information you will then fill out the Notice of Hearing and mail it, along with a copy of the Petition, to all interested parties.
  • Fill out the Proof of Service (per instruction packet) and bring it, along with the original Notice of Hearing, to Circuit Court Records.

If necessary, a home study will be held prior to the hearing. The cost of the home study is $60 and is paid in the Probate Court on the 5th floor. A certified copy of the Letters of Guardianship will be mailed to you after the hearing.

Interested Parties

Interested parties are:

  • The minor if 14 years of age or older
  • Each person who has had the principal care and custody of the minor during the last 63 days
  • The parents of the minor, or if neither of them is living, any grandparents and the adult presumptive heirs of the minor
  • The nominated guardian