Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Colorado
How to become a guardian of a child or an adult in Colorado: who can petition, the court process and alternatives.
Short answer: A minor or anyone interested in the minor's welfare may petition. The court may appoint a guardian if it is in the minor's best interest and the parents consent, all parental rights have been terminated, the parents are unwilling or unable to exercise their parental rights, or a prior… C.R.S. § 15-14-204
| Guardianship of a child | A minor or anyone interested in the minor's welfare may petition. The court may appoint a guardian if it is in the minor's best interest and the parents consent, all parental rights have been terminated, the parents are unwilling or unable to exercise their parental rights, or a prior third-party guardian has died or become incapacitated without naming a successor. Special rules allow guardianship findings up to age 21 for special immigrant juvenile status. Source: C.R.S. § 15-14-204 |
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| Guardianship of an adult | The court may appoint a limited or unlimited guardian for an adult only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapacitated and that his or her identified needs cannot be met by less restrictive means, including appropriate and reasonably available technological assistance. Otherwise it may treat the case as a protective proceeding, enter another order or dismiss. Whenever feasible, the court grants only the powers the person's limitations and needs require, to encourage maximum self-reliance and independence. Source: C.R.S. § 15-14-311 |
Where to get help in Colorado
More Colorado divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Colorado
- Adopting a Child in Colorado
- Establishing Paternity in Colorado
- Changing Your Name in Colorado
- Child Custody Laws in Colorado
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Colorado
- Divorce Records in Colorado
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Colorado
- How to File for Divorce in Colorado
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Colorado
- All Colorado divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get guardianship of a child in Colorado?
A minor or anyone interested in the minor's welfare may petition. The court may appoint a guardian if it is in the minor's best interest and the parents consent, all parental rights have been terminated, the parents are unwilling or unable to exercise their parental rights, or a prior third-party guardian has died or become incapacitated without naming a successor. Special rules allow guardianship findings up to age 21 for special immigrant juvenile status.
How do you get guardianship of an adult in Colorado?
The court may appoint a limited or unlimited guardian for an adult only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapacitated and that his or her identified needs cannot be met by less restrictive means, including appropriate and reasonably available technological assistance. Otherwise it may treat the case as a protective proceeding, enter another order or dismiss. Whenever feasible, the court grants only the powers the person's limitations and needs require, to encourage maximum self-reliance and independence.
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.