Annual Report Requirements for Guardians of a Minor in Massachusetts

Getting the guardianship order is a milestone, but it is not the last time you will deal with the court. If the Probate and Family Court appointed you guardian, you must file an annual report with that court — and it does not send reminders. Juvenile Court guardianships use a separate annual report form.

What the Annual Report Is

The annual report is a written update to the court on the child's wellbeing and your performance as guardian. It covers the child's living situation, education, health, and any significant changes in circumstances since the last report (or since the guardianship was granted, for the first filing).

Massachusetts guardians of minors file this under the ongoing oversight provisions of M.G.L. c. 190B, Article V. The report goes to the same Probate and Family Court division that issued your guardianship decree.

What the Report Covers

For Probate and Family Court guardianships, use the statewide Annual Report of Guardian of Minor form (MPC 443); the court may request additional information. Juvenile Court guardianships use a separate Annual Report of the Guardian of the Minor form (JV-078). The report generally covers:

• Where the child lives — your current address and the child's living arrangement
• Education — the child's school, grade level, and general academic progress
• Health — the child's physical and mental health status, including any significant medical events
• Activities and wellbeing — a general overview of how the child is doing
• Contact with parents — whether the child has had visits or contact with birth parents, and how that is going
• Any changes — moves, school changes, new medical diagnoses, or other developments the court should know about
• Court involvement — any court cases involving the child since the last report or since you were last in court
• Property — information about the condition of any child property you possess or control, as the court requires

When to File

Your first annual report is due one year from the date of your guardianship decree, and annually after that. Mark the date on your calendar now — the court does not send automatic reminders, and missing the deadline can prompt the court to schedule a review hearing or issue an order to show cause.

If you are unsure of your filing deadline, call the Registry of Probate where your case is on file and ask for the next reporting due date. Give them your docket number.

How to File

File Form MPC 443 with the Registry of Probate where the case is on file, in person, by mail, or through eFileMA as an Annual Guardian of Minor Report in the existing case. Check with the Registry for current filing instructions.

Keep a copy of every report you file, along with proof of the filing date (a stamped receipt or an eFileMA submission receipt).

What Happens If You Do Not File

Failure to file the annual report does not automatically terminate the guardianship, but it signals to the court that supervision may be needed. The court may:

• Send a notice requiring you to file within a set deadline
• Schedule a review hearing
• Issue an order to show cause for why you should not be removed as guardian
• In extreme cases, remove the guardian and appoint a successor

None of these outcomes is good for the child's stability, and all of them are avoidable by staying current with reporting.

Keeping Records Year-Round

The annual report is much easier to write if you keep a running log throughout the year. Note school enrollment dates, medical appointments, parent visits, and any changes to your address or the child's living situation as they happen. When the filing date arrives, you have everything you need.

The Massachusetts Guardianship and Custody Court Process Guide includes a post-appointment tracking section covering annual reporting, when and how to request modified orders, and other ongoing duties so nothing slips after the initial hearing.

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