Indiana Guardianship Forms for Minor Children: County Filing Guide

One Set of State Forms, 92 County Variations

Indiana uses standardized guardianship forms published by the Coalition for Court Access through Indiana Legal Help (indianalegalhelp.org). The forms are free to download and apply statewide. But individual counties add their own filing requirements, fee schedules, and local rules — what works in Marion County may need adjustment in Allen or Lake County.

The Statewide Form Packets

Indiana Legal Help provides two packets for minor guardianship:

Minor Guardianship With Consent (CCA-GU-0520-4002) — use this when all living parents and other interested parties consent. Includes the petition, consent forms, and supporting documents.

Minor Guardianship Without Consent (CCA-GU-1120-4002) — use this when any required party does not consent or cannot be found. This packet includes notice forms and instructions for serving the petition and notice.

Both packets include: Appearance Form, Verified Petition, Confidential Guardianship Information Sheet with ACR cover form, Notice of Petition for Appointment of Guardian, Order Setting Hearing, Order Appointing Guardian, Oath of Guardian, and Letters of Guardianship. The CHINS Disclosure Form is a separate additional form required only if one of its listed circumstances applies.

County-Specific Differences

Marion County — The probate filing fee totals $205 with sheriff service ($177 base plus $28 sheriff fee). Marion Superior Court's Legal Resource Center offers legal information and access to court-approved forms. Local Probate Rule 401.1 requires proposed guardians to file the Application for Appointment of Guardian (Form 401.1-B) with the petition.

Lake County — Files through the Lake County circuit or superior court exercising probate jurisdiction. The county's court website directs self-represented filers to Indiana's Self-Service Legal Center and provides local court forms and rules. Filing fees follow the statewide schedule.

Allen County — Files in the Allen County circuit or superior court. Local procedures for scheduling the hearing and submitting proposed orders may differ from the state packet instructions — call the clerk's office to confirm their requirements before filing.

Rural Counties — Many smaller counties prefer paper filing over e-filing, have limited clerk operating hours, and may apply local cover sheet requirements. Call the county clerk before your first visit to confirm what they need.

E-Filing vs. Paper Filing

Indiana allows self-represented filers to e-file through state-approved providers, but they are not required to e-file. You can also file paper documents in person at the court clerk's office. If you e-file, follow the provider's prompts for the case type and filing code. A filing can include a lead document and attachments, and an envelope can contain multiple filings.

Filing your papers with the clerk does not mean a judge has approved your petition. The clerk assigns a cause number and collects fees. Your guardianship becomes legal only after a judge reviews the file, holds a hearing, and signs the order.

Getting the Right Forms for Your Situation

If you are raising a grandchild or relative's child and need to determine which petition fits your circumstances — guardianship with consent, guardianship without consent, or third-party custody — the Indiana Guardianship and Custody Court Process Guide walks through the decision and the complete filing process for each pathway.

See more Indiana guides →