Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Arkansas
How to become a guardian of a child or an adult in Arkansas: who can petition, the court process and alternatives.
Short answer: Any person may petition the circuit court to appoint a qualified person as guardian. Before appointing a guardian, the court must be satisfied that the person is a minor (or otherwise incapacitated), that a guardianship is desirable to protect the person's interests, and that the… Ark. Code Ann. §§ 28-65-205, 28-65-210, 28-65-211
| Guardianship of a child | Any person may petition the circuit court to appoint a qualified person as guardian. Before appointing a guardian, the court must be satisfied that the person is a minor (or otherwise incapacitated), that a guardianship is desirable to protect the person's interests, and that the proposed guardian is qualified and suitable. Minority must be shown by satisfactory evidence. Mirror: Arkansas Code text was read on FindLaw (codes.findlaw.com), a mirror of the official code. FindLaw states the text is current as of March 28, 2024. |
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| Guardianship of an adult | Any person may petition for a guardian of an incapacitated person; the petition must describe the incapacity and recommend the type, scope and duration of guardianship. Evidence of incapacity must include testimony or a sworn statement from one or more qualified professionals. Guardianship may be used only as necessary to protect the person's well-being and property, must encourage maximum self-reliance and independence, and may be ordered only to the extent of the person's actual limitations. The court must find a guardianship desirable to protect the person's interests and the guardian suitable. Mirror: Arkansas Code text was read on FindLaw (codes.findlaw.com), a mirror of the official code. FindLaw states the text is current as of March 28, 2024. |
Where to get help in Arkansas
More Arkansas divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Arkansas
- Adopting a Child in Arkansas
- Establishing Paternity in Arkansas
- Changing Your Name in Arkansas
- Child Custody Laws in Arkansas
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Arkansas
- Divorce Records in Arkansas
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Arkansas
- How to File for Divorce in Arkansas
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Arkansas
- All Arkansas divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get guardianship of a child in Arkansas?
Any person may petition the circuit court to appoint a qualified person as guardian. Before appointing a guardian, the court must be satisfied that the person is a minor (or otherwise incapacitated), that a guardianship is desirable to protect the person's interests, and that the proposed guardian is qualified and suitable. Minority must be shown by satisfactory evidence.
How do you get guardianship of an adult in Arkansas?
Any person may petition for a guardian of an incapacitated person; the petition must describe the incapacity and recommend the type, scope and duration of guardianship. Evidence of incapacity must include testimony or a sworn statement from one or more qualified professionals. Guardianship may be used only as necessary to protect the person's well-being and property, must encourage maximum self-reliance and independence, and may be ordered only to the extent of the person's actual limitations. The court must find a guardianship desirable to protect the person's interests and the guardian suitable.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.