Arizona Guardianship Without a Lawyer

Yes, You Can Self-File — But Know What You Are Taking On

Arizona law does not require you to have an attorney to file a guardianship or conservatorship petition. Thousands of families self-file every year using the standardized form packets published by the Arizona Supreme Court. The savings are significant — attorney fees for an uncontested guardianship typically run $2,500 to $5,000, while self-filing still requires court-related costs (roughly $370+ in Pinal, $924–$981 in Maricopa, and $1,033–$1,574+ in Pima).

The tradeoff is that you become responsible for every procedural requirement: correct forms, proper service of notice, timely filings, and representing yourself at the hearing. Probate courts follow strict procedural rules, and mistakes — serving notice late, omitting a required form, failing to complete fiduciary training — can result in your hearing being continued or your petition being dismissed.

The Forms You Need

The Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) publishes the standardized petition packet: AOCPBGCA11F (Petition for Permanent Appointment of Guardian and/or Conservator). The packet includes the petition form, the summons, notice forms for interested parties, and the Health Professional's Report form (AOCPBGCA15F) that a licensed physician, psychologist, or registered nurse must complete.

Where to get these forms:

• Maricopa County: The Law Library Resource Center offers free downloadable form packets and in-person self-help assistance at the Central Court Complex (201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix). Phone: (602) 506-3668.
• Pima County: The Pima County Bar Association sells complete form packets for $25. The Probate Division can be reached at (520) 724-3230.
• Pinal County: Forms are available through the Clerk's online portal under "Other Available Packets." Phone: (520) 866-5400.

Step-by-Step Self-Filing Process

1. Get the Health Professional's Report completed first. This is the bottleneck. A licensed physician, psychologist, or registered nurse must evaluate your child and complete Form AOCPBGCA15F with specific functional limitations — not just a diagnosis. Schedule this evaluation weeks before you plan to file.

2. Complete the fiduciary training. Under Rule 38 of the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure, every non-licensed family member must complete the Arizona Supreme Court's computer-based training modules before the court can issue permanent Letters of Appointment. Print, sign, and file the Declaration of Completion (Form PBT80f) with the Clerk.

3. Fill out the petition. The petition must state whether you are seeking a limited or full guardianship (and/or conservatorship), list all known interested parties (parents, adult siblings, current agents, care providers), and describe what less restrictive alternatives you considered and why they are insufficient.

4. File the petition at the Superior Court. Pay the filing fee and any investigator fee required by the county according to the county's instructions. The Clerk will assign a case number and a hearing date.

5. Serve notice. The proposed ward must receive personal service (via process server or sheriff) at least 14 days before the hearing. All other interested parties must receive mailed or hand-delivered copies of the petition and hearing notice at least 14 days out. Defective service will delay your hearing.

6. Cooperate with the court investigator. The investigator will contact you to schedule a home visit and interviews. Be responsive — delays in the investigation delay your hearing.

7. Attend the hearing. Present your case, answer the judge's questions, and be prepared for the judge to ask about alternatives and to potentially issue a limited order even if you requested full authority.

When You Should Hire an Attorney

Self-filing works well for straightforward, uncontested petitions where no one objects and the facts are clear. Hire an attorney if:

• Any family member plans to object to the guardianship or to your appointment as guardian. Contested hearings involve formal evidence presentation, witness examination, and legal arguments that are difficult to navigate without legal training.
• The ward has significant assets (real property, inheritance, settlement proceeds). A conservatorship with bonding requirements and annual accounting obligations adds complexity.
• You need emergency or temporary guardianship. Emergency petitions have accelerated timelines and additional procedural requirements.
• Multiple family members are competing to be appointed guardian.

Many special needs attorneys offer flat-fee pricing for uncontested guardianship petitions, which gives you the benefit of professional preparation and representation at a predictable cost.

Common Self-Filing Mistakes

Forgetting the Probate Cover Sheet and Information Form. Maricopa County requires Form PB10F (Probate Cover Sheet) and Form PB12F (Probate Information Form) alongside the petition. Omitting these causes administrative rejection.

Not explaining alternatives. The petition must state what alternatives were considered. Writing "none" or leaving the section blank signals to the judge that you have not done the required analysis.

Late or incorrect service. Personal service on the ward must be by a process server or sheriff — you cannot hand the papers to your own child. The 14-day minimum is measured in calendar days, not business days.

Our Arizona Adult Guardianship & Alternatives Guide provides the complete self-filing roadmap, including the form-by-form checklist, the service timeline, and the preparation framework to handle the hearing with confidence.

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