Temporary guardianships for minors

Temporary guardianships are sometimes granted if the natural guardians (parents) are unable to care for their minor children and must place them with a friend or relative who can care for the children until the parents can do so again. The temporary guardian must have physical custody of the child and be a resident of Pike County. In most cases, the parents consent to establishing a temporary guardianship, but if the sole parent or both parents have not consented in writing to  relinquishing their rights, proper notice must be given. The granting of temporary guardianship of a minor does not permanently terminate parental rights. If any parent objects to the temporary guardianship the petition is denied. 

 Temporary guardianships automatically terminate upon the child reaching the age of majority (18).  The parents may also petition to terminate the temporary guardianship at any time prior to the child reaching the age of majority, but if the temporary guardian does not consent to the termination the case is transferred to juvenile court. 

 The petition of Temporary Guardianship of a Minor must be completed in full and legible (if you cannot complete the petition, you will need to contact an attorney for assistance). The following requirements must be met for a petition to be considered. 

• A copy of the minor's state-issued birth certificate
• Proof of residency
• All signatures must be notarized prior to filing
• Consent for background check for every person living in the home over the age of 18 years
• Recent photo of the minor (can be emailed to probatejudge@pikecoga.com)
• Filing fees paid 

Once a Temporary Guardianship is established, the Temporary Guardian must keep the Court informed of the physical condition and whereabouts of the minor. A personal status report shall be filed each year within 30 days of the establishment date. Please attach any additional information you wish the Court to know (using additional sheets of paper if necessary) to the report and include an updated photo with each status report.