Learn how to file for legal guardianship of a minor and what forms you'll need.
- This page, File for guardianship of a minor, is offered by
- Probate and Family Court
- Massachusetts Court System
- District Court
- Juvenile Court
File for guardianship of a minor
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The Details of File for guardianship of a minor
What you need for File for guardianship of a minor
Before you begin the guardianship process, you may want to find out if you can become a caregiver for a minor, since this is a much simpler process.
To request to become the guardian of a minor, you'll need to file:
- Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor (MPC 140)
- Affidavit Disclosing Care and Custody (OCAJ-1)
- Bond (MPC 801)
- Either a petition or affidavit:
- If the parent(s) agree with the appointment of the guardian — Notarized Waiver and Consent to Petition (MPC 440)
- If the parents and interested parties don't agree with the appointment of the guardian - Notice of Appearance (and Objection) (MPC 505a)
Depending on the circumstances, you may also need to file:
- Application for Appointment of Counsel for Parent of Minor Child Guardianship of Minor (MPC 263): Right to counsel: If you are a parent of the minor child who is the subject of this proceeding you have a right to be represented by an attorney. If you want an attorney and cannot afford to pay for one and if you give proof that you are indigent, an attorney will be assigned to you. Your request for an attorney should be made immediately by filling out the Application for Appointment of Counsel form. Submit the application form in person or by mail at the court location where your case is going to be held.
- Notarized and Verified Consent to Nomination by Minor (MPC 441) if the minor is 14 years old or older
- Verified Motion for Appointment of Temporary Guardian (MPC 340) if you need court authority quickly
- Affidavit of indigency if you can't afford to pay for service or other costs related to the guardianship process
How to file File for guardianship of a minor
To file for guardianship of a minor in person, you should bring your completed forms to the Probate and Family Court in the county where the child lives, unless there is already an ongoing case involving the child in a Juvenile Court or District Court.
You can mail the forms and fees to the correct Probate & Family Court.
You can eFile your forms online at eFileMA. For more information on how to eFile, please see eFiling in the Probate and Family Court.
Next steps for File for guardianship of a minor
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Provide notice
Once you've filed the forms, the court will send or give you a Notice and Order. This is a paper that tells you when your court hearing will be and the people who need to be sent notice. You'll need to give notice by providing copies of the Petition and the Order and Notice to the interested parties, which includes:
- The child's parents. If the parents are deceased, the child's nearest relatives over age 18. However, you don't need to send notice to a parent whose rights have been terminated.
- The child, if the child is 14 or older
- Any current guardian or conservator for the child
- Anyone the child has lived with during the past 60 days, except foster parents. If the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has custody of the child, they must be notified too.
- The United States Veterans Administration if the child is entitled to any benefits
Any interested person listed in the petition can file an objection to the petition for temporary or permanent guardianship - Notice of Appearance (and Objection) (MPC 505a).
Attend the hearing
The Notice and Order will have a hearing date, and you'll need to attend that hearing.
The minor child has the right to have a lawyer to represent them. The minor or someone acting on their behalf can ask the court to appoint a lawyer for them. If the minor or person acting on their behalf asks for a lawyer, the court must appoint an attorney. If the minor can't afford a lawyer, the court can order that the minor's lawyer be paid by the state.
If you're a parent of the minor child who is the subject of the guardianship of a minor case, you have a right to be represented by an attorney. If you want an attorney and can't afford to pay for one and you give proof that you're indigent, an attorney will be assigned to you. If you want an attorney, you should immediately request one in person or by mail to the court location where your case will be held.
At this court hearing, the court will determine if:
- The person seeking appointment is qualified
- The case is in the right court
- The required notices have been given
- The basic conditions for an appointment have been met
- The requested appointment provides for the welfare and best interest of the child
The court makes the appointment on a court form called Decree and Order of Appointment of Guardian of a Minor, and issues a letter of appointment. If the court isn't able to make a final determination at this hearing, a temporary decree of guardianship may be granted, and another court date will be scheduled.
More info for File for guardianship of a minor
After you're named guardian of a minor, you'll be expected to act in the child’s best interest and exercise care, diligence, and prudence. Once a year, you'll need to file an annual report with the court called the Annual Report Form. You'll be responsible for filing the report — the court will not send you a reminder.
Contact for File for guardianship of a minor
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