Minor Guardianships

A temporary guardian is a person appointed by the probate court to take care of a child whose parents or other guardians have temporarily given up their parental rights. The Probate court may not grant temporary guardianship of a minor over the objection of a natural guardian parent. Temporary guardianships do not expire until the child reaches the age of 18 however, a parent may petition the probate court for an order to terminate the guardianship.

While the temporary guardianship is in place, the temporary guardian holds all the powers of a natural guardian parent, including the authority to consent to medical treatment and enroll the child in school.

Documents Required to File:

Click to access the petition.
Click Background check to access to the required criminal background check form for each adult living in the household.
Minor's Birth Certificate

Court Costs
Deposit Fee^**: $145.00
Background Check: $20 each per adult in the household payable to the Sheriff's Department

**Additional fees may be required for legal notices, service of process, and certified copies.

Either natural guardian parent may petition the Court to terminate the temporary guardianship. However, the Court does not have to grant the termination of the temporary guardianship if it would be harmful to the minor. Documents Required to File:

Click to access the petition.

Court Costs
Deposit Fee^**: $60.00

^**Additional fees may be required for legal notices, service of process, and certified copies.

A permanent guardian may be appointed for a minor or who no living parents or in other rare circumstances.

Documents Required to File:

Click to access the petition.
Click Background check to access to the required criminal background check form for each adult living in the household.
Death Certificates of parents

Court Costs
Deposit Fee^**: $210.00
Background Check: $20 per adult in the household payable to the Sheriff's Department

^**Additional fees may be required for legal notices, service of process, and certified copies.

A minor conservatorship is legal arrangement where a responsible adult, known as the conservator, is appointed by the Court to manage the financial affairs of a minor child. This type of conservatorship is typically established when a child under the age of 18 inherits money or property, or receives a settlement from a lawsuit or insurance claim. The court appoints a conservator to protect the child's assets and ensure that they are used for the child's benefit.

The conservator is responsible for managing the child's assets, such as investing the funds, paying bills, and making financial decisions on behalf of the child. The conservator must also file regular reports with the court to document the management of the assets and seek court approval for major financial transactions. It is important to note that a minor conservatorship only deals with the child's financial affairs and does not affect the child's personal or medical decisions, which are typically handled by the child's parents or legal guardians.

Documents Required to File:

Click to access the petition.

Court Costs
Deposit Fee^**: $210.00

^**The Additional fees may be required for legal notices, service of process, and certified copies.

Estates:
706-225-4333
probategeneral@columbusga.org

Weapons Carry Licenses/Marriage Licenses:
706-225-4750
probatelicense@columbusga.org

Physical Address:
100 10th St. 6^th Floor
Columbus, GA 31901

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1340
Columbus, GA 31902

Temporary Guardianships

Terminating a Temporary Guardianship

Permanent Guardianships

Minor Conservatorships