Is a Court Order Necessary for Appointment of a Short Term Guardian?
No, a court order is not necessary. A parent who wants to appoint a guardian needs to sign a form appointing a guardian for the guardianship period. The person who is appointed must also sign the form. The form must also be signed by two witnesses. If only one parent is appointing the guardian, the other parent must also consent. However, the consent is not necessary if the other parent cannot be located, is unable or unwilling to take care of the child, or if he is an unmarried father whose paternity has not been established by a court order.
