Family & Safety
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Creating a short-term guardianship of a minor agreement How-To
You do not need to go to court to name someone a short-term guardian. Follow the steps below to create a short-term guardianship.
Fill out the short-term guardianship forms
Fill out the forms in the program listed below. Make at least three copies of each form.
- Short-Term Guardian Appointment: Use this program to complete the forms needed to name someone the short-term guardian of a minor.
Have the other parent sign the form
If only one parent is appointing the short-term guardian, then the other parent must sign the document to give their consent.
Sign the form
The agreement must be witnessed by at least two people who are at least 18 years old and not related to the family. A witness cannot also be the person trying to be the short-term guardian.
Last full review by a subject matter expert
January 24, 2026
Last revised by staff
March 28, 2026
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
