DIY Guardianship’s 5 Simple Step process is designed to reduce the time, cost, and stress of filing for guardianship, especially for families supporting vulnerable or special‑needs adults. The steps organize the court requirements into a clear, guided path from fee waivers through the hearing.

• Step 1: Request Fee Waiver or Deferral
• The process begins with a focus on affordability by requesting a waiver or deferral of all court and related fees whenever you qualify. This step can dramatically lower the overall cost of guardianship by addressing filing and other mandatory court fees up front. The court determines whether you qualify for a fee waiver or deferral.
• Step 2: File the Petition
• Next, with your help, DIY Guardianship will prepare your forms and meet you to file the fee waiver request and guardianship petition with the clerk of court using county‑specific forms and requirements. The goal is to ensure the petition is complete, accurate, and aligned with court requirements so your case can move forward without avoidable delays.
• Step 3: Provide Notice
• After filing, you must formally notify all legally required parties about the guardianship case. The court defines who must receive notice, and DIY Guardianship assists with identifying the parties, completing the required forms, and ensuring that you file the relevant declaration of notice form.
• Step 4: Gather and File Evidence
• In this step, you coordinate with the entities responsible for the evidence that the court needs to evaluate the proposed guardianship (for example, health care professional’s report, court investigator interview, and attorney for the protected person’s interviews). DIY Guardianship ensures that you are aware of and complete the requirements.
• Step 5: Attend the Hearing
• Finally, you attend the guardianship hearing, where a judge reviews your petition, evidence, and legal notice to decide whether to grant guardianship. DIY Guardianship prepares you for what to expect at the hearing so you feel more confident attending the hearing.