Make Notes On Legal Pennsylvania Guardianship Forms For Free

How is a guardianship proceeding initiated? An interested person may file a petition in the Court of Common Pleas, Orphans Court Division for the appointment of a guardian for a person or the person's estate.

Short-Term Guardianship You only need a guardianship for a minor child for 6 months or less; AND. The parents will sign and notarize a short-term guardianship agreement. Only one parent's signature is needed if the other parent is deceased, unknown, has no legal rights, or has had their parental rights terminated; AND.

Attorneys' fees for opening any guardianship can range from a minimum of $1,500 to an average of $3,500. Court costs, which include filing fees, service fees, and fees for letters of guardianship, can also quickly reach in excess of $1,000.

The proper venue for a guardianship proceeding is in the county in which the incapacitated person resides or is domiciled. The initial Petition for Guardianship must clearly state the individual's physical and mental limitations and specifically identify the type of guardianship which is sought.

The person applying for guardianship must file an application in the Court of Common Pleas. Counsel and hearings will be involved, notices will be given to the appropriate parties, and annual reports on the individual's personal and financial status. Guardianships can be challenging for all parties concerned.

Legal guardianship means a court grants someone other than a biological parent the right to care for a minor. Custody (most often) generally describes a parent caring for his or her own child. Guardianship does not always grant custody or definitively mean a biological parent's custody is revoked.