AZ risk area

Guardianship risk in Arizona

How courts appoint guardians for minors when no plan is in place.

In Arizona, courts appoint guardians for minor children when no legal parent can act. State statutes outline eligibility, notice, and court oversight.

What happens to minor children immediately after a death?How does the court choose a guardian?How long can the guardianship process take?

At a glance

Key takeaways

  • Court appointment is required to grant a non-parent legal authority.
  • Statutes define who may petition, notice requirements, and hearing steps.
  • Temporary or emergency guardianships may be available in urgent cases.
  • Statutes: AZ Rev. Stat. Sec. 14-5204; 5207; 5212

Questions to consider

Questions this risk area helps you evaluate in Arizona

  • What happens to minor children immediately after a death?
  • How does the court choose a guardian?
  • How long can the guardianship process take?

State overview

In Arizona, courts appoint guardians for minor children when no legal parent can act. State statutes outline eligibility, notice, and court oversight.

  • Court appointment is required to grant a non-parent legal authority.
  • Statutes define who may petition, notice requirements, and hearing steps.
  • Temporary or emergency guardianships may be available in urgent cases.
  • Statutes: AZ Rev. Stat. Sec. 14-5204; 5207; 5212
  • Temporary or emergency guardianships may be available for urgent situations.
  • Notice and hearing requirements apply before appointment.

Sources

Risk sources

National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Arizona.