How to File for Title 14 Guardianship
There are many cases in which legal guardianship of a child must be shifted from a parent to a family member or close friend. Title 14 is the Arizona state statute that provides for this possibility. In order to obtain guardianship of a minor through Title 14, the person seeking guardianship must petition the court, where guardianship decisions are ultimately decided.
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Instructions
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Meet with an administrator or staff member of the court in the jurisdiction in which you are located. The administrator will walk you through the process, help you prepare the necessary paperwork and give you an idea of whether your petition is likely to be successful. Be aware, however, that court staff members cannot provide legal advice.
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File the paperwork for the petition through the court administrator. In some counties and situations, these petitions are processed without further involvement from the petitioner. In some cases, however, the petitioner may be required to appear before the court. This is a particularly likely possibility when your petition is challenged.
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Notify any party who has maintained legal guardianship within the past 6 months, as well as any living parent, of your petition. In most counties, you are legally required to provide this notice.
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Tips & Warnings
Typically, petitioners for guardianship are relatives of the minor. Nonrelatives may be required to submit additional paperwork.
