Find out if you can become a legal guardian of a minor

Find out who's eligible to become a guardian of a minor.

Any person, including a minor, who's interested in the welfare of a child can petition for a guardian to be appointed for the child. 

Who can become a guardian?

To be eligible to become a guardian, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in the United States
• Not have a criminal record of child abuse or neglect

The judge will decide if you're able to be a guardian and that your appointment would be in the best interest of the child. If the child is over 14 years old, the judge will appoint a person chosen by the child, unless that wouldn't be in the best interest of the child.