Nomination of Guardian for Minor

A Nomination of Guardian for Minor is used by parents to appoint an individual who will act as a legal guardian for their minor children in the unfortunate event they pass away or become unfit.

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What Is a Nomination of Guardian for Minor?

Thinking about dying before your child turns 18 is terrifying. Understandably, most parents don't want to think about such scenarios. If a parent dies unexpectedly, the child is already experiencing trauma. But without an appointed guardian, the child might even end up in a foster home.

While no parent can prevent all terrible things from happening, they can use a Nomination of Guardian for Minor to appoint an individual who will take care of their children. With this nomination, parents can safeguard their children's wellbeing. When choosing a guardian, it is vital to confirm that they wish to accept the role.

A family court has the ultimate decision on the best guardian for the child, but having a Nomination of Guardian for Minor makes the appointed guardian much more likely to be chosen.

Other Names for the Nomination of Guardian for Minor

Depending on your state, a Nomination of Guardian for Minor may also be known as:

  • Petition for Appointment of Guardian 
  • Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Minor
  • Order Appointing Guardian
  • Letter of Guardianship
  • Petition for Conservatorship

Who Needs a Nomination of Guardian for Minor?

Every parent should name a guardian for their children. With a Nomination of Guardian for Minor, parents can have peace of mind knowing that, if the worst should happen, someone they trust will bring up their child in a safe environment.

Why Use 360 Legal Forms for the Nomination of Guardian for Minor?

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Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need out of your Nomination of Guardian for Minor.

Specific to Your Jurisdiction

Laws vary by location. Each document on 360 Legal Forms is customized for your state.

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All you have to do is fill out a simple questionnaire, print, and sign. No printer? No worries. You and other parties can even sign online.

How to Create a Nomination of Guardian for Minor with 360 Legal Forms

Thinking about appointing a guardian for a your child is already stressful. Fortunately, parents don't have to go through the trouble of creating a Nomination of Guardian for Minor alone. 

Let 360 Legal Forms help with our extensive library of attorney-vetted legal forms. The process is fast and easy. All you have to do is fill out our easy-to-understand questionnaire. Once complete, simply download your form as a PDF or Word document from your secure online account.

What Information Will I Need to Create My Nomination of Guardian for Minor?

To create your document, please provide:

  • Parents' information: The legal names and birth dates of the parents
  • Guardian's information: The legal name, contact information, address, and relationship status of the appointed guardian
  • Effective date: The date when the nomination will go into effect
  • Signatures: The signatures of the parents and nominated guardian

Nomination of Guardian for Minor Terms

  • Guardian: The individual legally responsible for the child if the parents die or become incapable of taking care of the child
  • Guardianship: The state of being a guardian
  • Minor: A child under the age of 18
  • Conservatorship: Another term for guardianship
  • Ward: A minor whom a guardian is responsible for

Nomination of Guardian for Minor Signing Requirements

The parents and the chosen guardian should sign the Nomination of Guardian for Minor. Depending on the state, the document may also require witness signatures and notarization. Check your state law to confirm signing requirements.

What to Do With Your Nomination of Guardian for Minor

After you have created the Nomination of Guardian for Minor on 360 Legal Forms, print it out and distribute copies to the parents and the guardian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Appointing a guardian for your child requires careful consideration. It should be someone you absolutely trust and know will take full responsibility for your child. They should be emotionally stable and physically able. You may want this person to share your religious values. 
A guardian is usually a relative, an adult sibling, or a grandparent. Grandparents are often an excellent choice, but it may also be a good idea to include younger individuals as backup guardians. 
Anyone who is a minor, incompetent, has filed for bankruptcy in the last seven years, or has committed a crime should not be appointed as a guardian.

Yes. It is a good idea to revisit the document every few years to confirm if everything stated still applies. For example, if the guardian had two children of their own at the time of creating the document but now has four or five, you might want to appoint a new guardian. 
People change. The guardians that you appoint today may not remain the same people in the future, so it can be crucial to revisit the choice if there is a need for it.

If an individual has parental responsibilities for their stepchildren, they can appoint a guardian for them. That said, if one partner has not appointed the other as a guardian, the court might appoint a new guardian if something happens to the children's parent. 
It is important to remember that a guardian cares for the children if they have no surviving parents. If the father or the mother of your stepchildren is still alive, they usually have guardianship.

Generally, most people choose one individual to act as a guardian. If the guardian is married, the document might include the names of both spouses. On the other hand, some people appoint three guardians, such as grandparents and a relative. In that event, the court will decide on the guardian most fit to take care of the children. 
Children over 14 could even be allowed to state their preference for the court to take into account. Alternatively, parents may decide that they want the guardians to share responsibilities and act as co-guardians.

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Applicable to all 50 states
Applicable to all 50 states

Our documents are vetted by lawyers and are applicable to all 50 states.