Petitioner's checklist for notice in Guardianship of Minor Proceedings (MPC 937)

Review this chart to determine who the “interested parties” are in your case. In most cases, mother and father will be the only interested parties.

The following chart will help you fill out the Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor form (PDF).

Possible interested partiesServe this person:How to serve (deliver) notice to this person (see instructions)
Child age 14
If the child is 14 or over, he or she must be served, unless the child is the petitioner.
Yes or NoNot applicable
Mother
Does the child have a mother living? The mother must be served unless: The mother had her legal parental rights terminated or signed a voluntary surrender as stated in item #8 on your Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor.
Yes or NoNot applicable
Father
Does the child have a father living? The father must be served unless: The father had his legal parental rights terminated or signed a voluntary surrender as stated in item #8 on your Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor.
Yes or NoNot applicable
Caregiver
During the last 60 days has anyone other than the parents been given custody of the child or had the child living with them? If yes, this person must be served. See items #12 and 14 on your Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor.
Yes or NoNot applicable
Nominated Guardian
Has the child, age 14 or above nominated someone to be the Guardian? If yes, this person must be served. See item #11 on your Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor.
Yes or NoNot applicable
Nominated Guardian
Has a parent, through a will or other written instrument nominated someone to be the Guardian? See item #5 on your Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor.
Yes or NoNot applicable
Veteran’s Administration
Does the child receive benefits paid by the Veteran’s Administration? If yes, they must be served by first class mail.
Yes or NoMail the notice by first class mail to:
Veterans Benefits Admin
JFK Federal Bldg., Government Center
Boston, MA 02203
Department of Children and Families
Is the child in the custody of the Department of Children and Families? If yes, they must be served by first class mail.
Yes or NoMail the notice by first class mail to the local office of the Department of Children and Families
Spouse
If the minor is married.
Yes or NoNot applicable
If no parents are living, brothers and sisters 18 years of age or older
See item #13 on your Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor.
Yes or NoNot applicable

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