INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN OF A MINOR 14-1

The Petition needs submitted to the District Court in the county where the minor currently resides.  The petitioner will have to make copies and pay filing fees that will range according to district. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 1”

Provide the petitioner’s name, mailing address, and main telephone number in the top-left corner of the Petition.  In the heading, provide the minor’s name and date of birth and the Clerk of Court will provide the rest of the information. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 2”

In the part 1, provide the full legal name of the petitioner, the relationship to the minor, and the full legal name of the minor.  Check the box if it applies. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 3”

In part 2, provide the minor’s age and date of birth. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 4”

In part 4, only check one box.  If you check box 1, make sure to list the date when the parental rights were terminated by court order. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 5”

In part 6, check only the box that applies and provide explanation why the guardianship is in the child’s best interests in part 7. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 6”

In part 8, the petitioner needs to check all boxes that apply.  If the party is required to receive notice of the petition, the petitioner needs to list their full legal name, current address, and their relationship to the minor. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 7”

In part 9, check the box that applies.  The petitioner can request for the minor to be represented without an attorney.  Otherwise, an attorney or guardian ad litem should be appointed, or the department of health and welfare has legal custody. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 8”

If the minor needs a temporary guardian, the petitioner needs to check part 10 explain why is temporary guardian is necessary. 

“Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 14-1 Step 9”

Check all of the boxes that apply on the third page and sign the document.  The verification section is for the Clerk.