Colorado Guardianship Forms: Complete JDF Form Guide

Colorado standardizes guardianship documents through the JDF (Judicial Department Form) series. All forms are free to download from the Colorado Judicial Branch self-help portal at coloradojudicial.gov. Use the current versions from the Judicial Branch; third-party copies may be outdated or incomplete.

The challenge isn't finding the forms. It's knowing which ones you need, in what order, and what supporting documents accompany each one. Here's the complete map.

Pre-Filing Forms and Requirements

Before you file the petition, you need to assemble these documents:

JDF 805 — Acceptance of Office. The proposed guardian completes this form to formally agree to serve. It's filed alongside the petition, not after appointment. Attach these supporting documents to JDF 805:

• CBI background check — a name-based criminal history record check from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Order it directly from CBI (online submission available). This is required even for biological parents.
• Credit report — from any major credit bureau (TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax). Redact all but the last four digits of every account number before filing.
• Government-issued photo ID — a legible copy of a driver's license, passport, or state ID.
• CAPS authorization — a signed Colorado Adult Protective Services Written Authorization form. The court uses this to run a mistreatment registry check. You don't contact CAPS directly — the court handles it.

Capacity documentation (not a JDF form). Obtain a letter or evaluation from a licensed physician or psychologist documenting the respondent's diagnosis, functional limitations, and specific reasons why court-ordered support is necessary. While not technically a required JDF form, courts expect clinical evidence supporting the incapacity claim.

Filing Forms

JDF 841 — Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Adult. This is the core document — it identifies the respondent, describes their condition, names the proposed guardian, and explains why guardianship is necessary. It asks specifically whether less restrictive alternatives (SDM, powers of attorney) have been considered and why they're insufficient.

JDF 205 + JDF 206 — Fee Waiver. If you can't afford the $229 filing fee, file JDF 205 (Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit) with a blank JDF 206 (Finding and Order Concerning Payment of Fees). Submit these with the petition.

Service and Notice Forms

After filing, the court sets a hearing date. You must serve notice at least fourteen days before the hearing:

JDF 807 — Notice of Hearing to Respondent. Personally served on the respondent by an independent third party (sheriff or process server). The respondent must receive a copy of the petition along with this notice.

JDF 718 — Personal Service Affidavit. Filed by the person who served JDF 807 on the respondent, proving that service was completed.

JDF 806 — Notice of Hearing to Interested Persons. Mailed or hand-delivered to all interested persons — parents, spouse, adult children, and anyone the respondent has lived with for more than six months in the preceding year. Includes a Certificate of Service section that you file with the court after completing notice.

Post-Appointment Forms

If the court grants the petition:

JDF 849 — Letters of Guardianship. The court signs this — it's your official proof of legal authority. Hospitals, banks, schools, and other institutions will ask to see this document. Get certified copies.

JDF 800 — Acknowledgment of Responsibilities. File within thirty days of appointment. This confirms that you understand your duties as guardian.

JDF 705 — Probate Case Information Sheet. Administrative form filed within thirty days.

JDF 812 — Notice of Appointment. Serve a copy on the ward and all interested persons within thirty days of appointment, then file the Certificate of Service with the court.

JDF 850 — Guardian's Report - Adult. File within sixty days of appointment (checked as "Initial Report/Care Plan"), then annually within thirty days of your appointment anniversary (checked as "Annual Report"). The annual reporting process is an ongoing obligation for the life of the guardianship.

Modification and Termination

JDF 855 — Petition for Modification of Guardianship. Used to change the guardianship when the ward's circumstances change.

JDF 852 — Petition for Termination of Guardianship - Adult. Used to end the guardianship when termination is sought. Use the current form instructions for service and notice.

Conservatorship Forms (If Applicable)

If you're also seeking conservatorship (financial management authority), additional forms apply:

• JDF 876 — Petition for Appointment of Conservator for Adult
• JDF 880 — Letters of Conservatorship
• JDF 882 — Conservator's Financial Plan with Inventory and Motion for Approval (due within 60 days), with a blank JDF 883 for the court's order
• JDF 883 — Order Regarding Conservator's Financial Plan
• JDF 885 — Conservator's Report

Common Form Mistakes

Filing JDF 805 without all attachments. The CBI check, credit report, ID copy, and CAPS authorization must all accompany JDF 805. Missing any one can prompt a rejection or a request for correction.

Wrong service form. JDF 807 goes to the respondent (personal service required). JDF 806 goes to interested persons (mail or hand delivery). Mixing them up creates a due process problem that can invalidate the hearing.

Unsigned Certificate of Service. Both JDF 806 and JDF 812 include Certificate of Service sections. Filing the form without completing the certificate is a common oversight that courts will flag.

Not getting certified copies of JDF 849. The Letters of Guardianship are what you show to the outside world. Get multiple certified copies from the court — you'll need them for banks, hospitals, schools, and government agencies.

The Colorado Adult Guardianship & Alternatives Guide walks through every form in filing order, with field-by-field instructions and a pre-filing checklist that ensures nothing is missing before you walk into the courthouse.

See more Colorado guides →