In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Minor Guardianship Without a Conservator
Step One: Before Filing for the Guardianship of a Minor
Complete the following tasks -
- Fingerprints. If you are NOT a blood relative, you must be fingerprinted and have a background check completed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the FBI. An issued fingerprint card will have to be filed with the court; some courts request that it is filed with the petition, while others will give a time frame of when it must be submitted. Example - In Maricopa county, you have 5 days after filing your petition to submit your fingerprint card.
- Fill out the Forms. Using BLACK INK complete the following forms:
- Juvenile Guardianship Information Sheet
- Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor
- Affidavit of Person to be Appointed Guardian
- Consent of Parent to Guardianship
- Make Copies. Make 3 copies of the completed forms listed above, so you will have 4 total. Originals - filed with the court, 1 - for your records, 2 - for the biological parents
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