How to File for Guardianship in Arizona

When to Start the Process

If you've determined that court-ordered guardianship is genuinely necessary — after evaluating Supported Decision-Making, powers of attorney, and other alternatives — the filing timeline matters.

Families typically initiate the petition when the proposed ward is 17 and a half years old. This six-month runway lets the court process complete so that orders can take effect on or shortly after the 18th birthday, preventing a gap in legal authority.

The adult process is generally timed for the 17.5-year window so an order can take effect at majority. Filing later leaves less time for the court process before the 18th birthday.

Step 1: Get the Health Professional's Report

Before you can file, you need Form AOCPBGCA15F — a medical evaluation completed by a licensed physician, psychologist, or registered nurse. This is the most common cause of delays, so start here.

The evaluator must describe specific functional limitations, not just provide a diagnosis. The report should address: Can this person manage their own medications? Can they understand financial transactions? Can they evaluate the safety of their living environment? Can they make informed healthcare decisions?

A diagnosis-only report does not meet the required functional detail. Schedule this evaluation early — some specialists have multi-week waitlists.

Step 2: Prepare and File the Petition

Assemble the petition packet:

1. Petition for Appointment of Guardian/Conservator (Form AOCPBGCA11F)
2. Probate Cover Sheet (pb10f)
3. Probate Information Form (pb12f)
4. Health Professional's Report (AOCPBGCA15F)
5. Copies of any existing POAs or SDMAs the proposed ward has signed

Under A.R.S. § 14-5303, the petition must declare whether you're seeking limited or general (full) guardianship. If you're requesting general guardianship, you must explain what less-restrictive alternatives you explored and why they're insufficient. Courts take this requirement seriously — vague statements like "we tried everything" won't satisfy it.

File at the Superior Court in the county where the proposed ward resides. Filing fees vary by county — roughly $350–$367 in Maricopa County, about $366 in Pima County, approximately $224 in Pinal County — plus a court investigator fee that ranges from $150 to $1,000 depending on the county.

Step 3: Court-Appointed Protections

After filing, the court automatically appoints two people to protect the proposed ward's constitutional rights:

An independent attorney represents the proposed ward — not you. This attorney must interview the proposed ward at least seven days before the hearing, explain their rights (including the right to a jury trial, to cross-examine witnesses, and to choose their own counsel), and provide a written copy of those rights. The attorney advocates for the ward's expressed wishes, not for what the family thinks is best.

A court investigator visits the proposed ward's residence, interviews the proposed ward, the proposed guardian, and any caregivers, and submits a detailed written report to the court. The investigator evaluates whether the petition is appropriate and whether less-restrictive alternatives would serve the ward's needs.

Step 4: Notice and Service

Due process requirements are strict:

• The proposed ward must be personally served with the petition, summons, and hearing notice by a process server or sheriff at least 14 calendar days before the hearing
• All "interested persons" — parents, adult siblings, current agents, and persons or agencies providing care or benefits — must receive mailed or hand-delivered copies at least 14 days before the hearing

A missed service deadline can delay the hearing.

Step 5: Complete Fiduciary Training

Under Rule 38 of the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure, any family member seeking appointment must complete approved online training modules before the court will issue permanent Letters of Appointment. After completing the training, file the Declaration of Completion (Form PBT80f) with the Clerk of Court.

The modules cover fiduciary duties, reporting requirements, and what you legally can and cannot do as guardian.

Step 6: The Hearing

At the hearing, you bear the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the proposed ward is incapacitated and that guardianship is strictly necessary. The proposed ward has the right to attend, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and demand a jury trial.

If the court grants the petition, the order will specify exactly what powers the guardian holds. Under A.R.S. § 14-5304, the court must limit the guardian's authority to only those areas where the ward lacks capacity. Full guardianship requires an explicit finding that the ward is entirely unable to participate in any decisions.

After Appointment

Guardianship is not a one-time event. Every year, you must file an Annual Report on the Condition of the Ward detailing their physical health, mental health, living situation, educational activities, and whether the guardianship remains necessary. If you're also appointed conservator, you owe the court an annual financial accounting of every dollar received and spent.

The Arizona Adult Guardianship & Alternatives Guide covers each step in detail — including county-specific filing procedures, the decision worksheets courts expect to see, and post-appointment reporting templates.

See more Arizona guides →