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Guardian for Minors - Formal Qualification Process

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1. What should I bring to my formal qualification appointment?

Please bring the following to your formal qualification appointment:

• A check or cash to pay fees calculated during the qualification appointment; fees are based upon the value of the estate.
• The dollar value of the personal assets in the estate of the minor
• The fair market value of real estate of the minor
• The original last will and testament, if qualifying as testamentary guardian
• The signed Order of Appointment, if appointed by the judge

You may bring the completed information form for a guardian. The form is online here.

If bond with surety is required by the court order, the surety bond company must attend your scheduled appointment to sign the surety bond.

2. What does the bond with surety mean?

A surety bond is a guarantee by a third party (usually an insurance or bonding company) that a guardian will properly account for all money and property owned by the minor and that the guardian will discharge his / her guardian duties as required by law.

3. Whom can I call to obtain bond with surety?

The Probate Department cannot recommend any bonding company, A link to a list of local bond companies that write surety bonds can be found on our forms page.

4. Why do I need a bond?

A bond is a guarantee that you will perform your guardianship duties as required by law. The court order of appointment or the clerk will set the amount of the bond and govern whether the bond is with or without surety.

5. What steps are involved in the qualification process with the clerk?

Read about the formal qualification process.