Adult Guardianship Process by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Required petition, background check on proposed guardian, and bond requirements for adult guardianship/conservatorship.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: March 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Petition Required	Background Check	Bond
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Required
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Court discretion
Yes	Yes	Required

Most states have adopted the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act (UGCOPAA) in whole or part. Less restrictive alternatives (supported decision-making, POA) must typically be considered first.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.