Colorado Guardianship Forms: Complete JDF Form List for Minor Guardianship

Where to Get Colorado Guardianship Forms

All Colorado minor guardianship forms are free from the Colorado Judicial Branch website at coloradojudicial.gov under the self-help forms section. You file them at the probate division of the district court in the county where the child lives — except in Denver, where the Denver Probate Court handles all minor guardianship cases.

The forms carry "JDF" numbers (Judicial Department Form). Knowing which ones you need and the order to file them eliminates most of the confusion people encounter at the clerk's counter.

Forms You File to Start the Case

JDF 823 — Instructions for Appointment of a Guardian (Minor). This is not a form you file with the court. It is the Judicial Branch's instruction packet that walks you through the entire process. Read it before filling out anything else.

JDF 705 — Probate Case Information Sheet. Required before the court will issue Letters of Guardianship. Provides basic case and party information.

JDF 824 — Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Minor. The central filing. This petition identifies the child, the proposed guardian, and the legal basis for the guardianship under C.R.S. § 15-14-204. It includes an ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) inquiry section — answer honestly, because the court uses your response to determine whether additional tribal notice is required.

JDF 805 — Acceptance of Office. The proposed guardian signs this form accepting the duties of guardianship. Most nominees attach a CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigation) name-based criminal history check, a current credit report, and a copy of government-issued photo ID. A parent who lives with the child is exempt from the criminal-history and credit-report requirements; other exceptions may apply.

Consent and Notice Forms

JDF 825 — Consent of Parent. Each consenting parent signs a separate JDF 825. This records consent to the guardianship appointment, but it does not waive the parent's right to notice. If a parent wants to waive notice entirely, they must also sign JDF 719 (Waiver of Notice), which is a separate form.

JDF 826 — Consent or Nomination of Minor. Required if the child is 12 years old or older. The child's signature does not replace the requirement for personal service — the minor must still be personally served with the petition and notice of hearing.

JDF 806 — Notice of Hearing to Interested Persons. Mailed or hand-delivered to parents and other interested persons at least 14 days before the hearing. Contains a Certificate of Service that you complete and file with the court as proof that notice was properly delivered.

JDF 807 — Notice of Hearing to Respondent. For a minor age 12 or older who is not the petitioner, this must be personally served along with a copy of the petition at least 14 days before the hearing.

Proposed Orders and Letters

JDF 827 — Order Appointing Guardian. You prepare this proposed order and bring it to the hearing. If the judge approves the guardianship, they sign this form. The signed order is what formally appoints you.

JDF 828 — Temporary Order / JDF 829 — Emergency Order. If you are filing for temporary (up to six months) or emergency (up to 60 days) guardianship alongside your permanent petition, submit the appropriate proposed order with your filing packet.

JDF 830 — Letters of Guardianship (Minor). You fill in the caption before filing. JDF 705 (Probate Case Information Sheet) is filed with the initial packet. After the judge appoints the guardian and you file JDF 800 (Acknowledgment of Responsibilities), the court completes and issues the Letters with the court seal. The Judicial Branch identifies these certified Letters as proof that you are the guardian; ask schools, doctors, insurers, and benefits offices what documentation they accept.

Special Situation Forms

JDF 205 / JDF 206 — Fee Waiver. If you cannot afford the $229 filing fee, submit JDF 205 (Motion to Waive Fees) and JDF 206 (Order re Court Fees). The court may ask for proof of income, assets, or expenses before deciding your motion.

JDF 1350 / JDF 1351 — ICWA Forms. If the child has Native American heritage, file JDF 1350 (ICWA Assessment). If not, file JDF 1351 (Declaration of Non-Indian Heritage).

JDF 714 / JDF 716 — Service by Publication. When an interested person's address is unknown after reasonable diligence, JDF 714 (Affidavit Regarding Due Diligence and Proof of Publication) and JDF 716 (Notice of Hearing by Publication) allow you to give notice through a newspaper. The notice must run once a week for three consecutive weeks, with the last publication at least 14 days before the hearing.

JDF 721 — Irrevocable Power of Attorney. Required if the proposed guardian lives out of state, designating the clerk of court as agent for service.

After the Hearing

JDF 800 — Acknowledgment of Responsibilities. Filed after appointment, before Letters issue.

JDF 812 — Notice of Appointment. Must be delivered within 30 days of appointment to the minor (if 12 or older), the parents, and other interested persons.

JDF 834 — Guardian's Report (of a minor). Filed yearly, typically on the child's birthday. Details the child's living situation, health, education, and well-being. A copy goes to the parents, the child if age 12 or older, and other interested persons.

JDF 835 — Petition for Termination of Guardianship - Minor. Used to end the guardianship. For a requested modification, use JDF 855 (Petition for Modification of Guardianship - Adult & Minor).

Filing in the Right Order

The Colorado Guardianship and Custody Court Process Guide puts these forms into a step-by-step filing sequence — from the initial petition through the hearing and post-appointment duties — so you know exactly what to prepare, what to bring to court, and what comes after.

See more Colorado guides →