Guides

Find the right place to start

Guardianship rules are state-specific, and the details that matter most are often local. Our guides help you quickly find the right court, official forms, self-help resources, filing fees, and common alternatives.

Try a ZIP like 30303, “Travis County” or “Columbus, OH”

Adult guardianship

How to become a legal guardian for an adult

Learn how to become a legal guardian for an adult, what courts look for, the usual filing steps, and when less restrictive options may work.

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Guardianship vs. power of attorney: which do you need?

Compare power of attorney and adult guardianship, learn when each fits, and review less restrictive options to check before going to court.

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Basics

Guardian vs. conservator: what's the difference?

Learn the practical difference between a guardian and a conservator, why the terms change by state, and how to choose the right next step.

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Guardianship

Emergency and temporary guardianship

Learn what emergency or temporary guardianship means, when courts may grant it, what to file fast, how long it lasts, and alternatives to try first.

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Alternatives

Supported decision-making and other alternatives to guardianship

Learn how supported decision-making, powers of attorney, advance directives, payees, and other tools may help avoid adult guardianship.

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Adult Guardianship

Guardianship when your child with a disability turns 18

Learn what changes at 18 for a child with a disability, when guardianship may help, alternatives to consider, and how to prepare.

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Guardian duties

A guardian's duties: reports, accounts and court check-ins

Learn what a guardian or conservator usually must file after appointment, how annual reports and accounts work, and how to avoid court trouble.

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Costs

How much does adult guardianship cost?

Adult guardianship costs vary by state and case type. Learn common court fees, added costs, fee waivers, and lower-cost alternatives.

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Minor guardianship

Guardianship of a minor child

Learn what guardianship of a minor child means, which court may handle it, how to start, what judges look for, and when simpler options may work.

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Court process

How to end or change a guardianship

Learn how to ask a court to end or change an adult guardianship or conservatorship, what evidence helps, and when to consider less restrictive options.

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Family guardianship

Standby guardianship for parents

Learn what standby guardianship for parents means, how it works, and how state rules on forms, consent, timing, and court approval can differ.

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