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.
This information pertains to the those that are looking for the permanent (more than 6 months) guardianship or conservatorship of a child. If you are looking for temporary orders (less than 6 months) contact your Superior Court for the correct paperwork.
Please be aware that not all items may pertain to your situation. You are encouraged to Visit a Law Library for general guidance.
Prior to filing a request for a guardian or conservatorship of a CHILD you will need the following:
- Time and patience
- Free, online trainings need to be completed
- Can you answer "Yes" to all 3 of these statements?
- This court is the proper venue for this case because the minor(s) who needs protection lives in or is present in this county, or has assets in this county
- The proposed guardian-conservator has completed an "Affidavit of Person to be Appointed" as required by Arizona law
- The person proposed is a suitable and proper person to act as guardian-conservator and is entitled to consideration for appointment under Arizona law
- If you are NOT related to the child, you must submit a fingerprint card to the court
- The child is under 17.5 years old
- Forms filled out in BLACK ink only
- A separate cover sheet for each adult seeking guardianship
- Let the court clerk know if you need a interpreter or any other accommodations
- SSN's of youth involved
- Date of birth of youth involved
- Documentation of the terminated or suspended parental rights
- Documentation regarding cases that were brought to other agencies in regards to the child (if applicable)
- Refer to Guardianship Disclosure Affidavit to see what explanations need to be included in filing
- Medical reports
- Credit reports
- Financial account information - credit card, bank account, brokerage account, insurance policy, and annuity contract
Prior to filing a request for a guardian or conservatorship of an ADULT you will need the following:
- Time and patience
- Free, online trainings need to be completed
- Can you answer "Yes" to all 3 of these statements?
- This court is the proper venue for this case because the minor(s) who needs protection lives in or is present in this county, or has assets in this county
- The proposed guardian-conservator has completed an "Affidavit of Disclosure" as required by Arizona law
- The person proposed is a suitable and proper person to act as guardian-conservator and is entitled to consideration for appointment under Arizona law
- The person is over 17.5 years old
- Forms filled out in BLACK ink only
- SSN's of individuals involved
- Date of birth of people involved
- Refer to Guardianship Disclosure Affidavit to see what explanations need to be included in filing
- Estimated annual income and asset value of the adult
- The adult must be examined by a physician, psychologist, or registered nurse and complete the necessary report
- Name and address of employer
- Medical reports
- Credit reports
- Financial account information - credit card, bank account, brokerage account, insurance policy, and annuity contract