Annual Report of Guardian of a Minor

Massachusetts Guardianship Association (MGA)

Annual Report of Guardian of a Minor

After a Guardian is appointed, the Massachusetts Court oversees the guardianship and monitors the well-being of the minor. Serving as Guardian means you have responsibilities to the Court. Every Guardian of a minor must fill out and submit an Annual Report of Guardian of Minor to the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court every year, for as long as he or she remains a child’s Guardian.

1. What is an Annual Report?

The Annual Report is a fill-in-the blank court form that every Guardian of a minor must fill out and send into the Probate and Family Court. It asks the Guardian to report on the minor’s current situation and to note any changes that occurred within the year.

2. When is the Annual Report due?

The Annual Report is due every year on the anniversary date of the day you were appointed Guardian, for as long as you are Guardian. Mark the anniversary date on your calendar every year, as the Court will not send a reminder.

3. How do I fill it out and where do I send it?

You can find a blank copy of the Annual Report at the Registry office of the Probate and Family Court, or on-line at http://www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/probateandfamilycourt/upcforms.html

If you use the form on the court website, you can fill it out on-line and print it. Whether you use a paper copy from the Registry office or complete it on-line and print it, be sure to make a copy of the completed Annual Report for your records. Finally, you mail the completed Annual Report to the Court that appointed you Guardian.

4. What if I need help filling out the Annual Report?

Family Guardianship Clinics, operating weekly at some Probate and Family Courts, offer help filling out Annual Reports to low income eligible clients. If not income-eligible, the Guardian can be referred to a limited assistance representation attorney by asking the staff at Registry for a list of LAR attorneys. Check for a Clinic and its operating schedule at

http://www.spfj.org/MSex_Gship.htm

http://www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/probateandfamilycourt/upc.html

Was this helpful? What other questions or topics would you like to know more about? Email your suggestions to Ellen M. DiPaola, Esq., MGA Information and Resources Chairperson, edipaola@comcast.net. Please do not send personal or confidential information. Thank you.

Disclaimer. The MGA website is maintained exclusively for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Visitors to this web site who have a legal problem should always consult an attorney for legal advice. Viewing or using the information on the website does not create an attorney-client relationship. The guest contributor’s appearance on this website is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute a referral or endorsement of their firm or business, agency or organization. The third party web sites are listed solely as a convenience, and their listing does not imply endorsement of the agencies or organizations.